Esophageal food impaction: description of a new method for bolus removal.

Food impaction in the esophagus is a relatively common problem seen in an emergency room setting. Traditional methods of extraction have been dangerous, time-consuming, or laborious. We review available therapeutic modalities for bolus extraction, and describe a new method using a modified 34F gastric lavage tube connected to a 120-cc aspiration syringe. This method of food removal has proven safe and effective and is readily utilized in the outpatient setting.