An oesophageal foreign body (EFB) occurs when food, bone, toys, needles, fishhooks, rawhide, or other objects become stuck in the oesophagus, the muscular tube connecting the throat to the stomach.

 

This is an emergency because:

• The object can block swallowing

• Pressure can damage the oesophageal lining

• The wall may tear or perforate

• Severe inflammation can cause stricture (scar-narrowing)

 

Some objects (e.g., bones, fishhooks) can cause rapid tissue damage

 

Treatment almost always requires endoscopy or surgery. Early removal dramatically improves outcomes.