Extraction of a large mollusc shell impacted in the cervical esophagus: a twin-grasping approach could be the answer

A 57-year-old man with a history of bipolar disorder presented to the emergency room with a 48-hour history of aphagia without dyspnea. A chest X-ray revealed a calcium-dense foreign body in the cervical esophagus. Given the long symptom duration, a chest computed tomography scan was performed, ruling out complications ([Fig. 1]). In accordance with European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy recommendations [1], we performed an emergency therapeutic endoscopy within 2 hours after admission.

Fig. 1 Radiological (computed tomography scan) findings before endoscopy. Three-dimensional reconstruction of the anatomical location of the foreign body and its relationship with adjacent structures.

A large mollusc shell was observed tightly impacted in the upper esophagus ([Video 1]). Endoscopic extraction with a conventional gastroscope and diverse forceps/devices was attempted without success, despite correct grasping, due to slippage against the anchored shell. A second endoscopy was performed the following morning. We decided to switch to a therapeutic double-channel gastroscope (Olympus Evis Exera II GIF-2TH180; Olympus, Tokyo, Japan) and used two foreign body forceps (alligator- and rat-tooth forceps) simultaneously and in parallel, in an attempt to achieve a better grasping force ([Fig. 2]). After a few attempts with the two forceps, which were handled by two assistants performing continuous but low-power traction, a 36-mm mollusc shell was extracted ([Fig. 3]). Endoscopic review following extraction showed two deep mucosal tears in the cervical esophagus ([Fig. 4 a]). Given no local complication was identified, no further treatment was performed. In a follow-up endoscopy before discharge, mucosal healing without stenosis was confirmed ([Fig. 4 b]).

Video 1 Extraction of a large mollusc shell impacted in the cervical esophagus using twin grasping with two foreign body forceps.

Fig. 2 Foreign body extraction with a double-channel gastroscope. Capture of the mollusc with the rat-tooth and alligator-tooth forceps.

Fig. 3 The extracted 36-mm mollusc shell.

Fig. 4 Endoscopic review. a Two mucosal tears in the cervical esophagus after shell extraction. b Cervical esophagus 3 days after extraction.

Foreign body ingestion and food bolus impaction are commonly encountered in clinical practice, and approximately 10 %–20 % of cases require endoscopic removal [1]. Working with two parallel foreign body forceps on the same axis as the gastroscope allows a more consistent and better distributed traction force in the correct direction over two points, which also prevents slippage [2] [3].

Endoscopy_UCTN_Code_TTT_1AO_2AL

Competing interests

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

• References

• 1 Birk M, Bauerfeind P, Deprez PH. et al. Removal of foreign bodies in the upper gastrointestinal tract in adults: European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) Clinical Guideline. Endoscopy 2016; 48: 489-496
• 2 Galloro G, Sivero L, Magno L. et al. New technique for endoscopic removal of intragastric balloon placed for treatment of morbid obesity. Obes Surg 2007; 17: 658-662
• 3 Beldholm BR, Lee AU. Simple endoscopic technique for retrieving a long foreign body from the stomach. ANZ J Surg 2007; 77: 560-561

Publication History

Article published online:
17 September 2021