CLINICAL AND PARACLINICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND TREATMENT OUTCOMES OF PATIENTS WITH ALIMENTARY TRACT FOREIGN BODIES AT CHO RAY HOSPITAL AND CAN THO CITY
Main Article Content
Abstract
Background: Foreign bodies in the alimentary tract are a common emergency in Otolaryngology. Delayed diagnosis and management may lead to esophagitis, perforation, or periesophageal abscess. Objectives: To describe the clinical and paraclinical characteristics and evaluate treatment outcomes in patients with alimentary tract foreign bodies. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 42 hospitalized patients treated at Cho Ray Hospital, Can Tho ENT Hospital and Can Tho Central General Hospital from May 2025 to April 2026. Data were processed and analyzed using SPSS version 20.0. Results: The mean age was 49.93 ± 18.84 years, with an equal male-to-female ratio (50%). Odynophagia was the most common symptom (71.4%). Most foreign bodies were located in the cervical esophagus (83.3%), with fish bones accounting for 57.1%. CT scans detected foreign bodies in 95% of indicated cases. Admission after 24 hours increased the risk of complications. Good treatment outcomes were achieved in 40.5% of patients. Conclusion: Delayed admission was associated with complications. Early intervention within the first 24 hours plays a crucial role in reducing complications and improving treatment outcomes.
Keywords
Alimentary tract foreign body, periesophageal abscess, esophagoscopy, esophageal complications
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