Extracting coins from the upper esophageal tract of children under sedation by Magill forceps with spontaneous ventilation

Abstract

Objectives

Ingestion of foreign bodies is a common pediatric emergency. Coins represent a significant proportion of ingested foreign bodies. Our aim was to report a simple, efficient, and safe method to extract coins from the upper esophagus in children.

Materials and methods

In this retrospective study, 145 patients (median age: 20 months) who underwent coin extraction by Magill forceps under direct laryngoscopy on a 3-year period (January 2007 to December 2009) were included. The procedure was performed under sedation with a mixture of oxygen and halothane by facemask.

Results

Extraction was performed in all patients without complications. The coin was extracted in the first attempt in 52% of the cases, the second attempt in 38%, and the third attempt in 10% of the cases. The mean extraction time was 43 seconds, ranging from 30 to 75 seconds. Following laryngoscope insertion, 110 coins were clearly visualised, while 35 were not. No case of laryngospasm or vomiting was noted.

Conclusion

Extracting coins from a child’s upper esophagus with Magill forceps under sedation and spontaneous ventilation is an easy, inexpensive, and safe method.