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DOI: 10.1055/a-1407-9895
A novel technique for endoscopic removal of foreign bodies using a balloon and transparent cap
Supported by: The Anhui Science and Technology Department: 2018 Key Research and Development Plan Projects 1804h08020260
The presence of foreign bodies in the esophagus is a common clinical emergency and induces discomfort in patients, including chest pain or dysphagia, but may also result in more severe complications, such as hemorrhage and esophageal perforation [1]. We report a novel method of removing large foreign bodies using a balloon with the assistance of a transparent cap.
A 68-year-old woman was referred to our department complaining of chest pain following ingestion of a round-shaped stone 3 days earlier. On computed tomography scan, a high-density object approximately 3 cm in length was observed in the mid-esophagus ([Fig. 1]). Multiple attempts to remove the stone failed ([Fig. 2]). Therefore, we developed a new retrieval method using a transparent cap and dilation balloon (Vedkang, Changzhou, China) ([Fig. 3]). The deflated balloon, together with a transparent cap, was attached to the distal end of the endoscope, and then inserted into the esophagus. Subsequently, once the end of the endoscope reached the foreign body, 20 mL of air was injected into the balloon through a thin catheter, expanding its outer diameter from 1.3 to 3.5 cm. As the balloon was inflated, the narrow esophageal lumen gradually dilated, allowing the stone to be pushed into the stomach. The stone was eventually extracted using a disposable polypectomy snare ([Fig. 4]). Mild hematoma and mucosal injury were observed at the original site of the stone, without perforation, infection, or other complications ([Fig. 5], [Video 1]).
Video 1 A novel technique for endoscopic removal of foreign bodies using a balloon and transparent cap.
Quality:
The balloon was originally designed for endoscopic injection sclerotherapy to treat esophageal variceal hemorrhage [2]. We demonstrated that this approach was also safe, simple, and highly effective for extraction of foreign bodies in the esophagus, particularly for large or sharp objects. Thus, we highly recommend balloon-assisted endoscopy as a feasible technique worthy of clinical promotion.
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Competing interests
The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.
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References
- 1 Triadafilopoulos G, Roorda A, Akiyama J. Update on foreign bodies in the esophagus: diagnosis and management. Curr Gastroenterol Rep 2013; 15: 317
- 2 Mei X, Wang X, Wu W. et al. Balloon-assisted endoscopic sclerotherapy: a novel technology. Endoscopy 2020; DOI: 10.1055/a-1290-7001.
Corresponding author
Publication History
Article published online:
20 April 2021
© 2021. Thieme. All rights reserved.
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References
- 1 Triadafilopoulos G, Roorda A, Akiyama J. Update on foreign bodies in the esophagus: diagnosis and management. Curr Gastroenterol Rep 2013; 15: 317
- 2 Mei X, Wang X, Wu W. et al. Balloon-assisted endoscopic sclerotherapy: a novel technology. Endoscopy 2020; DOI: 10.1055/a-1290-7001.