Abstract
A case of oesophageal perforation after endoscopic removal of foreign body is described. A 50-year-old female had a sharp fish bone impacted in the cervical oesophagus. After dislodging the bone at endoscopy, she developed neck pain and swelling. Chest X-ray showed alarming pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema. However, there was no leakage in the water-soluble contrast swallow. She was successfully managed conservatively. Early recognition and proper management of such a well-known complication are important to lower morbidity, especially in view of the fact that endoscopic removal of swallowed foreign bodies is being performed on an outpatient basis in some emergency departments. Special precaution should be given to sharp foreign bodies lodged at the cervical oesophagus.