Abstract: Objective To investigate the role of CT scan as an optimal approach in the diagnosis of foreign bodies in the cervical esophagus, and to explore the different treatment options based on the scan results. Methods Clinical data of 179 patients admitted to our department due to upper esophageal foreign body during May 2011 and Oct. 2014 were retrospectively analyzed. All cases had symptoms of dysphagia, swallowing obstruction and pain. The diagnosis of upper esophageal foreign body was confirmed via X ray or HRCT examination. The foreign bodies were removed with different methods based on results of CT scan. Results The foreign bodies were removed with rigid esophagoscope under general anesthesia in 68 cases, with electronic gastroscope under topical anesthesia in 60 cases, with lateral neck incision in 10 cases, with 16# Foley catheter under no anesthesia in 12 baby patients. Another 29 patients with fishbone received no treatment because the foreign bodies and symptoms disappeared within 12 hours. Conclusion Eating too fast or being absent-minded during dinner are the major causes of esophageal foreign bodies. Correct evaluation of the nature, size, position of the foreign bodies, and damage they might do to patients, as well as timely management are key to treat cervical esophageal foreign bodies and avoid complications.

Key words: Electronic gastroscope, Foley catheter, Lateral neck incision, Body section radiography, Tomography, X-ray computed, Foreign bodies, Rigid esophagoscope, Esophagus