Retrieving foreign bodies from upper aerodigestive tracts of children.

Ingestion is foreign body lodgment in the esophagus, whereas aspiration is lodgment of foreign bodies in the larynx, trachea, or bronchi. Foreign bodies constitute an emergency when actual or potential airway obstruction occurs, when there is an esophageal perforation, or when disc batteries are ingested and lodged in the esophagus. A ventilating bronchoscope of appropriate size is essential to the removal of a foreign body in the airway or esophagus. Successful management of foreign bodies in the upper aerodigestive tracts of children is directly proportional to the time and effort spent in preoperative preparation.