Foley catheter removal of blunt esophageal foreign bodies. Experience with 100 consecutive children.

One hundred consecutive children with blunt esophageal foreign bodies were treated with a non-operative method of foreign body removal utilizing a Foley catheter. Dislodgement was successful in 98 children. There were no complications. Performed properly, the technique is rapid and safe. It precludes hospitalization and the slight hazards of endoscopy and general anesthesia.