Difference between revisions of "Oesophageal Foreign Body"

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==Introduction==
 
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Although many foreign objects are regurgitated from or transported through the gastrointestinal tract, those that are too large or have sharp points may remain lodged in the oesophagus and cause mechanical obstructions. Foreign bodies that become lodged in the oesophagus often have sharp points and include bones, fish hooks, needles, sticks and toys.  The most common foreign bodies found in dogs are bones and bone fragments, particularly pieces of lamb vertebrae.  In cats, toys are the most common objects to become lodged. 
 
  
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Obstructions occur most commonly at natural areas of narrowing along the oesophagus, particularly the '''thoracic inlet''', '''heart base''' and '''distal high pressure zone''', just oral to the the lower oesophageal sphincter.
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==Typical Signalment==
 +
*Any age group can be affected
 +
*Can occur in cats or dogs
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*Dogs more commonly affected due to their less discriminating eating habits
  
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The severity of oesophageal damage is dependent on the size and angularity of the foreign body, as well as the duration of obstruction. Even if the object is dislodged, there is a risk that residual inflammation may lead to the formation of [[Oesophageal Stricture|'''strictures''']] at the site of obstruction.  In severe cases, the oesophagus may [[Rupture of the Oesophagus|rupture]] into the mediastinum causing '''mediastinitis''' and possibly '''tension pneumothorax'''.  Sharp objects (such as fish hooks) which lodge over the heart base may occasionally lacerate the great vessels passing from the heart and cause '''fatal internal haemorrhage'''.
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==Description==
 +
Almost anything can become lodged in the oesophagus. Objects with sharp points are very common and include:
 +
*bones
 +
*fish hooks
 +
*needles
 +
*sticks
 +
*toys
  
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==Signalment==
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The most common foreign bodies found in dogs are bones, bone fragments and coins.  In cats play objects are most common. Many forign objects are regurgitated or are transported through the gastrointestinal tract. Those that are too large to pass through the oesophagus remain lodged causing mechanical obstruction.
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Although any age group may be affected, young dogs of the small terrier breeds are over-represented.  It has been suggested that certain breeds (particularly the Border Terrier) may have delayed maturation of the systems that control oesophageal motility, increasing their risk of developing oesophageal foreign bodies in the first year of life.  
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 +
Common sites of obstruction:
 +
*thoracic inlet
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*base of the heart
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*immediately in front of the diaphragm
 +
 
 +
The severity of oesophageal damage is dependent on the size, angularity or sharp pointedness of the foreign body as well as the duration of obstruction.
  
 
==Diagnosis==
 
==Diagnosis==
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[[Image:Oesophageal Foreign Body.jpg|thumb|right|275px|An oesophageal Foreign Body<br><small> Copyright David Walker RVC]]</small>
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===Clinical Signs===
 
===Clinical Signs===
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Animals may have a history of ingestion of bones or other objects.  Typical signs include
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include:
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*Acute onset of '''regurgitation''' or '''retching''' with '''hypersalivation/ptyalism'''.
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*history of foreign body ingestion
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*Animals may be '''unable to swallow''' (dysphagia) or may show '''pain on swallowing''' (odynophagia).
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*regurgitation (acute onset)
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*If the object has lodged in the cervical oesophagus, a mass may be palpable over the left ventral neck.
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*retching
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[[Image:Oesophageal Foreign Body Endoscopy.png|thumb|right|200px|Oesophageal foreign body visualised by endoscopy<br><small>Copyright David Walker RVC]]</small>
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*salivation
 +
*odynophagia
 +
*dysphagia
 +
*ptyalism
 +
*anorexia
 +
*tachypnoea
 
===Diagnostic Imaging===
 
===Diagnostic Imaging===
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'''Plain radiographs''' of the chest may reveal oesophageal foreign bodies if they are sufficiently radiodense. Poultry bones or other, more radiolucent, items may be more difficult to visualise.  Signs of oesophageal perforation may be evident and it is important to assess these carefully.  They may include:
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Palpation of the cervical oesophagus can occasionally reveal a foreign body but a definitive diagnosis usually requires radiography.
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*'''Pneumothorax''', including tension pneumothorax in which the contents of the mediastinum will be pushed to one side of the chest.  Air may also be observed in the retroperitoneal space if it escapes between the crura of the diaphragm.
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*'''Pleural effusion''', which may indicate a developing pyothorax.
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Plain thoracic radiographs reveal oesophageal foreign bodies that are radiodense. Poultry bones or other items that are less radiodense may be more difficult to visualise.
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*'''Pneumomediastinum''' or presence of '''fluid in the mediastinum'''.
 
  
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'''Contrast radiography''' is rarely necessary but may be used to identify radiolucent foreign objects. Contrast agents must be used with caution if there is suspicion of oesophageal perforation.
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It is important to look for signs of oesophageal perforation such as pneumothorax, pleural effusion and fluid in the mediastinum.
 +
 
 +
Contrast radiography is rarely necessary but may be used to identify radiolucent foreign objects. Contrast agents must be used with caution if there is suspicion of oesophageal perforation.
 +
 
 +
Oesophagoscopy can be used to provide a definitive diagnosis of an oesophageal foreign body.
  
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'''Oesophagoscopy''' can be used to provide a definitive diagnosis of an oesophageal foreign body.
 
  
 
==Treatment==
 
==Treatment==
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===Surgical Removal===
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Oseophageal foreign bodies should be removed promptly to reduce the incidence of mucosal damage, ulceration and perforation.
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Oesophageal foreign bodies should be removed promptly to reduce the extent of mucosal damage, ulceration, perforation and subsequent stricture formation.
 
  
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'''Endoscopic removal''' with grasping forceps is the method of choice for removing foreign bodies unless the object is too firmly lodged to pull free or radiographs of the chest suggest that the oesophagus has been perforated.  If the object is too large to be safely removed through the mouth, it may be possible to push it into the stomach and remove it surgically via a gastrotomy.
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Endoscopic removal with grasping forceps is the method of choice for removing foreign bodies unless:
 +
#The object is too firmly lodged to pull free, or
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#Radiographs suggest perforation
 +
Thoracotomy is required in these cases.
  
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If endoscopic removal is not possible, the foreign must be removed surgically.  The approach used depends on the exact location of the object.  In the '''cervical oesophagus''', a ventral midline cervical approach is made and the trachea is retracted to the right to expose the oesophagus but in the '''thoracic oesophagus''', a lateral (intercostal) thoracotomy or median sternotomy is performed.  As the chest cavity is entered in either approach, the patient must be ventilated.  In the '''abdominal oesophagus''', a ventral midline coeliotomy is performed.
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If the object too large to be safely removed through the mouth it may be possible to push it into the stomach followed by surgical removal via a gastrotomy.
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The affected portion of the oesophagus is isolated with loops of umbilical tape and packed off from the thorax with moist laparotomy swabs.  A longitudinal incision is made (to reduce the likelihood of subsequent stricture formation) and the foreign body is removed.  The incision can then be closed with simple appositional sutures which must include the submucosa (the holding layer throughout the gastro-intestinal tract).
 
  
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===Post-operative Care===
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Treatment post foreign object removal may include:
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Aggressive medical treatment should be initiated after surgical removal to reduce the likelihood of stricture formation.  This should include:
 
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*'''Withdrawal of oral food for 2-3 days''' as standard but, if the inflammation is severe or rupture has occurred, a '''gastrostomy tube''' may be required.
 
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*'''Oral sucralfate suspension''' is thought to bind to the base of any ulcers, to stimulate epithelial repair and to neutralise any refluxed gastric juices.
 
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*'''[[Gastroprotective Drugs|Gastric acid secretory inhibitors]]''' (e.g. ranitidine, omeprazole) can be useful in cases of gastro-oesophageal reflux.
 
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*'''Metaclopramide''', a promotility drug that increases the tone of the lower oesophageal sphincter, may also be used to manage gastro-oesophageal reflux but not if oesophageal motility is thought to be impaired (i.e., if megaoesophagus is present).
 
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*'''Broad spectrum intra-venous bactericidal antibiotics''' may be required in animals with severe oesophagitis or mediastinitis. 
 
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*'''Analgesia''' should be provided to encourage animals to eat after 2-3 days.
 
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*'''Anti-inflammatory doses of [[Steroids|corticosteroids]]''' (such as prednisolone) may be used to prevent fibrosis and further stricture formation in acute injuries but caution should be exercised if the animal has concurrent aspiration pneumonia.
 
  
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Further procedures are also indicated to ensure that the surgery has not caused further damage. '''Radiographs of the chest''' should be obtained immediately after surgery to check that pneumothorax or pneumomediastinum have not developed and '''oesophagoscopy''' should be performed 2-3 weeks after the surgery to ensure that strictures have not developed at the site of the obstruction.
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*withdrawal of oral food for 24-48hrs
 +
*Inspection of the oesophageal mucosa to assess for any damage.
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*Thoracic radiographs to look for pneumothorax caused by oesophageal perforation.
 +
*Antibiotic therapy.
 +
*Administration of an H<sub>2</sub> receptor antagonist or proton pump inhibitor.
 +
*Prokinetic agents.
 +
*Gastrotomy feeding tube.
  
 
==Prognosis==
 
==Prognosis==
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Animals with oesophageal foreign bodies without perforation carry a good prognosis. Those with oesophageal perforation carry a guarded prognosis depending on the degree of thoracic contamination. Surgical removal of foreign bodies is associated with more adverse effects than endoscopic removal.
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Animals with oesophageal foreign bodies without perforation carry a good prognosis. Those with oesophageal perforation carry a guarded prognosis depending on the degree of thoracic contamination.
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{{Learning
 
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|Vetstream = [https://www.vetstream.com/canis/Content/Disease/dis00637.asp, Oesophageal foreign body]
 
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|literature search = [http://www.cabdirect.org/search.html?q=%28title%3A%28oesophag*%29+OR+title%3A%28esophag*%29%29+AND+title%3A%28%22foreign+body%22%29 Oesophageal Foreign Body publications]
 
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}}
 
  
 
==References==
 
==References==
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*Hall, E.J, Simpson, J.W. and Williams, D.A. (2005) '''BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Gastroenterology (2nd Edition)''' ''BSAVA''
 
*Hall, E.J, Simpson, J.W. and Williams, D.A. (2005) '''BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Gastroenterology (2nd Edition)''' ''BSAVA''
  
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*Merck & Co (2008) '''The Merck Veterinary Manual'''''Merial
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*Merck & Co (2008) '''The Merck Veterinary Manual'''
  
 
*Nelson, R.W. and Couto, C.G. (2009) '''Small Animal Internal Medicine (Fourth Edition)''' ''Mosby Elsevier''.
 
*Nelson, R.W. and Couto, C.G. (2009) '''Small Animal Internal Medicine (Fourth Edition)''' ''Mosby Elsevier''.
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{{review}}
 
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{{OpenPages}}
 
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[[Category:Oesophagus_-_Pathology]]
 
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[[Category:Expert_Review - Small Animal]]
 
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[[Category:Oesophageal Diseases - Dog]][[Category:Oesophageal Diseases - Cat]]
 

Revision as of 16:16, 7 August 2009


 This article is still under construction.


Typical Signalment

  • Any age group can be affected
  • Can occur in cats or dogs
  • Dogs more commonly affected due to their less discriminating eating habits

Description

Almost anything can become lodged in the oesophagus. Objects with sharp points are very common and include:

  • bones
  • fish hooks
  • needles
  • sticks
  • toys

The most common foreign bodies found in dogs are bones, bone fragments and coins. In cats play objects are most common. Many forign objects are regurgitated or are transported through the gastrointestinal tract. Those that are too large to pass through the oesophagus remain lodged causing mechanical obstruction.

Common sites of obstruction:

  • thoracic inlet
  • base of the heart
  • immediately in front of the diaphragm

The severity of oesophageal damage is dependent on the size, angularity or sharp pointedness of the foreign body as well as the duration of obstruction.

Diagnosis

Clinical Signs

include:

  • history of foreign body ingestion
  • regurgitation (acute onset)
  • retching
  • salivation
  • odynophagia
  • dysphagia
  • ptyalism
  • anorexia
  • tachypnoea

Diagnostic Imaging

Palpation of the cervical oesophagus can occasionally reveal a foreign body but a definitive diagnosis usually requires radiography.

Plain thoracic radiographs reveal oesophageal foreign bodies that are radiodense. Poultry bones or other items that are less radiodense may be more difficult to visualise.

It is important to look for signs of oesophageal perforation such as pneumothorax, pleural effusion and fluid in the mediastinum.

Contrast radiography is rarely necessary but may be used to identify radiolucent foreign objects. Contrast agents must be used with caution if there is suspicion of oesophageal perforation.

Oesophagoscopy can be used to provide a definitive diagnosis of an oesophageal foreign body.


Treatment

Oseophageal foreign bodies should be removed promptly to reduce the incidence of mucosal damage, ulceration and perforation.

Endoscopic removal with grasping forceps is the method of choice for removing foreign bodies unless:

  1. The object is too firmly lodged to pull free, or
  2. Radiographs suggest perforation

Thoracotomy is required in these cases.

If the object too large to be safely removed through the mouth it may be possible to push it into the stomach followed by surgical removal via a gastrotomy.

Treatment post foreign object removal may include:

  • withdrawal of oral food for 24-48hrs
  • Inspection of the oesophageal mucosa to assess for any damage.
  • Thoracic radiographs to look for pneumothorax caused by oesophageal perforation.
  • Antibiotic therapy.
  • Administration of an H2 receptor antagonist or proton pump inhibitor.
  • Prokinetic agents.
  • Gastrotomy feeding tube.

Prognosis

Animals with oesophageal foreign bodies without perforation carry a good prognosis. Those with oesophageal perforation carry a guarded prognosis depending on the degree of thoracic contamination.

References

  • Hall, E.J, Simpson, J.W. and Williams, D.A. (2005) BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Gastroenterology (2nd Edition) BSAVA
  • Merck & Co (2008) The Merck Veterinary Manual
  • Nelson, R.W. and Couto, C.G. (2009) Small Animal Internal Medicine (Fourth Edition) Mosby Elsevier.
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