Clinical Profile of Paediatric Pharyngo-Oesophageal Foreign Bodies in a Tertiary Health Institution, North West Nigeria.

Abstract

Background: Pharyngo-oesophageal foreign bodies (PFB) in children are frequent clinical entity requiring an urgent radiological and endoscopic surgical intervention to avert life threatened complications seen in otorhinolaryngology practice. Objective: The objective of this study is to describe the pattern of pharyngooesophageal foreign bodies’ impaction, management challenges and the need for health education to care givers. Method: A retrospective review of all cases of paediatric patients with suspected or confirmed history of PFB from January 2007 to December 2011. The information retrieved included the biodata, types of foreign body, clinical and radiological findings, treatment and outcome.Results were analysed by simple statistical table. Results: Sixty seven patients diagnosed with Pharyngo-oesophageal Foreign Body, forty three (64%) were males while 24(36%) were females with M: F ratio = 1.8:1 and Mean age of 4.9 years (age range 6months to 13years.).Coins 36(54%) were the commonest PFB. Only 13(19%) presented to hospital within 24hours of ingestion. Common presenting symptom were Vomiting 70%, and dysphagia in 73%. Fifty four (81%) had positive history of FB ingestion and 13(19%) of the patient PFB were detected radiologically. Sixty three (94%) had rigid oesophagoscopy and removal under general anaesthesia while 4(6%) fish bone FB in the tonsils were extracted in the out-patient clinic after xylocaine spray. Post operative complications were noticed in 13(19%). Conclusion: Coin is the commonest pharyngoesophageal foreign body in children. Only 19% of these patient presented to hospital within 24hours therefore public health education to parents and care givers is recommended.