PTP (Press-Through-Package) Foreign Bodies of the Esophagus

We encountered two cases of PTP foreign bodies of the esophagus; the foreign body was easily removed from one patient, but the other patient had misswallowed two PTPs. One case was diagnosed easily and the foreign body was removed immediately. The other was difficult to diagnose and removal was achieved on the 14th day after misswallowing. The persistence of PTPs in the esophagus for fourteen days was complicated by mediastinitis as a result of perforation of the esophagus. Fortunately the patient responded to conservative therapy and did not become seriously ill. As a result we feel strongly that an accurate history must be taken by repeating questions concerning the patient's anamnesis. Patients should be treated after early diagnosis, and it must be kept in mind that multiple foreign bodies may be present in the esophagus as a result of misswallowing.