Efficacy and safety of oesophageal coins removal using a Foley balloon catheter without fluoroscopic control (blind method).

Although previously reported the method is not widely used despite its significant economic advantages. We evaluate safety and efficacy of the procedure of removing coins from the upper oesophagus in children by Foley catheter without fluoroscopic control (blind method). A retrospective case series study was undertaken among 58 consecutive paediatric patients in a district level medical college hospital during the period of 2009-2010. A total of 58 cases of coins impacted in oesophagus were divided into two groups. In group A (n=27), all the impacted coins were in upper oesophagus and they were subjected to Foley catheter removaL In group B (n=31), the patients were selected for endoscopic removal under anaesthesia. Coins were successfully removed in 24 cases in group A and 28 cases in group B. The results between both the groups were compared using Chi-square test. There was no statistically significant difference (p<0.05) between the two groups. Upper oesophageal coins can be safely removed by Foley balloon catheter without fluoroscopic control. This blind technique is cost effective, avoiding the need for hospital stay and anaesthesia. It is worth trying before resorting to endoscopy.