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Oct 30, 2006Article Details
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Pharyngo-oesophageal foreign bodies: implications for health care services in Nigeria
Abstract
Background: Pharyngo-oesophageal foreign body is the commonest endoscopic surgical emergency in otorhinolaryngological practice in Nigeria. Its implication in health care services of Nigeria is highlighted from the experiences of Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital Sokoto Nigeria.
Method: Clinical records of patients seen in the Ear, Nose and Throat department of Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital Sokoto from January 1999 to May 2003 with suspected or confirmed history of foreign body ingestion who were prospectively recruited were reviewed. The patients were subjected to thorough history, clinical examination and radiological investigation of the neck and chest. Rigid pharyngo-oesophagoscopy and removal under general anaesthesia was carried out where indicated while some were observed for the foreign body to be passed in stool.
Results: A total number of 75 cases were seen. There were 50 males (66.7%) and 25 females (33.3%). Their ages ranged from 6 months - 90 years. Age group of 0-5 years accounted for 53.3%, while 0-10 years accounted for 68%. Coin (65.3%) was the commonest foreign body occurring mainly in the paediatric age group followed by bones (17.3%) and meat bolus (8%) in adults. Meat bolus was the only impacted foreign body amongst the elderly patients aged between 70-90years.The duration of impaction ranged from a few hours to seven years. Compared with other reports, there were no foreign bodies of dental origin, no complications or mortality in their management.
Conclusion: Pharyngo-oesophageal foreign body impaction is the commonest indication for emergency surgical endoscopy. A functional up to date endoscopic unit backed by skilled manpower and easily accessible to the populace is advised.
Keywords: foreign bodies, pharynx, oesophagus, implications
Annals of African Medicine Vol. 5 (1) 2006: 52–55
Method: Clinical records of patients seen in the Ear, Nose and Throat department of Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital Sokoto from January 1999 to May 2003 with suspected or confirmed history of foreign body ingestion who were prospectively recruited were reviewed. The patients were subjected to thorough history, clinical examination and radiological investigation of the neck and chest. Rigid pharyngo-oesophagoscopy and removal under general anaesthesia was carried out where indicated while some were observed for the foreign body to be passed in stool.
Results: A total number of 75 cases were seen. There were 50 males (66.7%) and 25 females (33.3%). Their ages ranged from 6 months - 90 years. Age group of 0-5 years accounted for 53.3%, while 0-10 years accounted for 68%. Coin (65.3%) was the commonest foreign body occurring mainly in the paediatric age group followed by bones (17.3%) and meat bolus (8%) in adults. Meat bolus was the only impacted foreign body amongst the elderly patients aged between 70-90years.The duration of impaction ranged from a few hours to seven years. Compared with other reports, there were no foreign bodies of dental origin, no complications or mortality in their management.
Conclusion: Pharyngo-oesophageal foreign body impaction is the commonest indication for emergency surgical endoscopy. A functional up to date endoscopic unit backed by skilled manpower and easily accessible to the populace is advised.
Keywords: foreign bodies, pharynx, oesophagus, implications
Annals of African Medicine Vol. 5 (1) 2006: 52–55
