Novel endoscopic cryoprobe extraction of acute food bolus impaction: a case report

TL;DR

A new endoscopic technique using freezing to remove stuck food in the esophagus is successfully tested in a patient with a rare genetic condition and esophageal inflammation.

Contribution

A novel cryoadhesion method using a flexible cryoprobe is introduced for removing acute food bolus impactions.

Findings

A 25-year-old patient with trisomy 21 and eosinophilic esophagitis had a meat bolus successfully removed using a cryoprobe.

The procedure was completed in 10 minutes without mucosal injury or adverse events.

Cryoadhesion via a flexible cryoprobe may be a feasible alternative for challenging food impactions.

Abstract

Acute food bolus impaction is frequently encountered in pediatric patients with underlying esophageal conditions. Traditional endoscopic methods for removing friable boluses, such as meat, are often time-intensive and challenging. This report explores the novel application of cryoadhesion, or freezing and adhering an object to a cryoprobe, for esophageal meat bolus extraction. A 25-year-old man with trisomy 21 and eosinophilic esophagitis presented with acute food bolus impaction. After unsuccessful conventional endoscopic maneuvers, a cryoprobe was externally attached to an endoscope and used to achieve cryoadhesion and extraction of the meat bolus. Within 10 minutes, the meat bolus was successfully removed attached to the cryoprobe without mucosal injury. The patient tolerated the procedure well and was discharged the next day without adverse events. Cryoadhesion via a flexible cryoprobe may offer a feasible alternative for removing challenging food impactions. Further investigation is warranted to evaluate its safety and efficacy.

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