Handheld Metal Detector Confirmation of Radiopaque Foreign Bodies in the Esophagus
Ross M. Younger, MD;
David H. Darrow, MD, DDS
Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2001;127:1371-1374.
Objective To examine the utility of handheld metal detectors in confirming the
position of radiopaque foreign bodies in the esophagus before delayed endoscopic
removal.
Design Prospective study of patients evaluated between June 1, 1997, and August
31, 1999.
Setting Tertiary pediatric referral center.
Patients Twenty-six of 139 children presenting consecutively for evaluation of
esophageal foreign bodies met eligibility criteria and completed the study
protocol. Inclusion in the study was contingent on a delay of at least 6 hours
from the time of diagnosis to the time of endoscopic removal. All patients
underwent both radiographic evaluation and handheld metal detector scanning
of the chest and abdomen on presentation and immediately before endoscopic
removal.
Results All patients evaluated during the study period had coins lodged within
the esophagus. Handheld metal detector scanning accurately confirmed this
position before endoscopic removal in all cases.
Conclusion Our data suggest that handheld metal detectors may obviate the need
for repeated radiographs in patients whose foreign bodies cannot be removed
at presentation.
From the Departments of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery
(Drs Younger and Darrow) and Pediatrics (Dr Darrow), Eastern Virginia Medical
School, Norfolk.
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