FOREIGN BODIES IN THE AIR AND FOOD PASSAGES: Observations in One Hundred Eight Private Patients

Abstract

THE FIELD of bronchoesophagology has expanded so rapidly that the management of foreign bodies in the air and food passages no longer occupies the prominent position that it did in the earlier years of this specialty. To the average general physician and to the layman this is still the most spectacular and important of all endoscopic procedures. The removal of foreign bodies is still a challenge to every endoscopist because of the variety of objects swallowed or aspirated, the technical difficulties involved, and the complications which may occur. There is an abundance of literature on this subject, but the majority comes from large centers with established bronchoscopic clinics or departments. Until about 20 years ago the vast majority of all endoscopic procedures were performed in a few institutions. With the advancement of resident training in otolaryngology there are now physicians in all parts of this country practicing bronchoesophagology. Removal of