Steamed Whole Potato as an Oesophageal Foreign Body

Abstract

Dear Editor, A 77-year-old, 75 kg male presented to the Emergency Outpatient Department (OPD) with difficulty swallowing since, the previous night. The symptoms began after consuming a meal consisting of Pooris and mashed steamed potatoes (a traditional South Indian recipe). The patient reported experiencing a sensation of obstruction and dysphagia since the previous night. There was no history of fever, cough, or any other underlying medical conditions. The patient had no previous history of oesophageal disease. Upon clinical examination, the patient appeared otherwise healthy with normal vital signs. No abnormal cardiorespiratory signs were observed, and there was no evidence of cranial nerve palsy. Significant drooling of saliva was noted, but no other abnormalities were observed during throat endoscopy. The patient underwent oral gastrointestinal endoscopy under local anaesthesia. During the procedure, a round yellow object obstructing the oesophagus was discovered [Table/Fig-1]. Attempts to grasp the foreign body with forceps were unsuccessful as it became crushed. It was determined that the foreign body was a whole potato, which was then crushed into pieces and pushed into the stomach [Video-1]. The procedure was successfully completed and explained to the patient. Follow-up was conducted through a telephonic conversation for a week, during which the patient remained completely asymptomatic.

Keywords

• dysphagia
• endoscopy
• food bolus