Utilizing a critical airway response team expedites esophageal button battery removal.

BACKGROUND

Esophageal button battery ingestion is a significant problem that can lead to significant complications such as tracheoesophageal fistula, esophageal perforation, and aortoesophageal fistula. Due to this, prompt recognition and treatment is integral in the care of these patients.

METHODS

Patients who presented to a single institution from August 2015 to April 2022 with esophageal button battery ingestion were included in this study. All esophageal button battery ingestion patients were included in a clinical algorithm for Critical Airway Response Team (CART) activation in October 2019. Time from diagnosis to treatment was compared for pre-CART clinical algorithm implementation to post-CART.

RESULTS

Data on pre-CART patients (n = 6) and post-CART patients (n = 7) was collected. Including esophageal button battery ingestions to CART activations shortened the time from chest x-ray to button battery removal from 73 ± 32 min to 35 ± 11 min (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

These data highlight the importance of implementation of a clinical care algorithm to shorten the time from diagnosis to treatment in patients with esophageal button battery ingestion.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.