Foley catheter, a simple device for removal of oesophageal foreign bodies.

An oesophageal foreign body is a common mishap in children. Removal through oesophagoscopy is a standard procedure but where this facility is not available this rather common accident could pose serious problems. A foley catheter was used repeatedly for the extraction of smooth foreign bodies from the oesophagus without fluoroscopic control. The procedure is safe and could be used whenever oesophagoscopy is not available.