Successful Management of a Chronic Retained Foreignbody and its Complications in the Esophagus-A Case report

Dentures are one of the common accidentally ingested foreign bodies and esophagus is one of the common site of impaction in the gastrointestinal tract. Retainment and impaction can cause esophageal perforation and other dangerous complications.31 years male presented with history of dysphagia,choking,loss of weight and recurrent respiratory infections. He accidentally swallowed a plastic denture 7 years back and was initially symptom free and now symptomatic for the past 2 years. Investigations done confirmed the presence of denture in the mid esophagus and revealed associated esophagobronchial fistula. Since the foreign body has been retained for a long time and endoscopic retraction can cause esophageal tear, we decided to proceed with operative exploration. Chest cavity entered through Left postero-lateral thoracotomy. Esophagotomy done and impacted FB removed.Esophagotomy site closed in 2 layers.Lt bronchial defect was not repaired because of dense adhesions in the hilar region.Post operatively patient lung function improved and was tolerating normal diet.He was discharged and he is on regular followup.High index of suspicion,appropriate investigations and optimum surgery are the key elements in the management of complicated foreign body