Use of Foley catheter for removal of esophageal foreign bodies. A survey.

A survey was conducted among otolaryngologists, thoracic surgeons, pediatric surgeons and pediatric radiologists to determine the frequency of removal of esophageal foreign bodies with a Foley catheter. The 245 physicians responding reported 1,512 cases, 96% of which were treated with this technique by radiologists and pediatric surgeons. Although no deaths or serious complications were reported, the author warns that increasing use of this procedure by nonendoscopists carries the risk of serious complications unless certain safeguards are taken. These include trained personnel, use of fluoroscopy, a cooperative patient with a single-, smooth, radiopaque foreign body lodged in the esophagus and a barium esophagogram with negative results for total obstruction and underlying esophageal disease.