Novel Low-Cost Endoscopic Cap for Esophageal Foreign Objects: A Case Report

A 57-year-old man presented to the hospital because of swallowing of a small marble precipitated by a hallucination. He subsequently developed chest discomfort. He had a history of psychiatric problem and an esophageal corrosive injury complicated by stricture of the middle esophagus. This report describes the novel idea of endoscopic intervention for the retrieval of an esophageal foreign body. Its inventiveness and the use of limited resources, by adapting a 30-mm aseptic common tubing into an endoscopic retrieving device, make the method novel. This novel low-cost endoscopic cap (NLCEC) was adapted to 25 mm of the front end of the endoscope, with 5 mm maintained for the soft part to prevent esophageal mucosal injury during the retrieval process. An 8-mm green marble was found impacted in the esophagus 32 cm from the incisors. The use of forced suction allowed for the successful retrieval of the marble within minutes. The patient had an uneventful recovery without any serious complications. This NLCEC may be a viable and safe tool for the endoscopic retrieval of esophageal foreign objects without general anesthesia. This innovative design is beneficial in terms of patient safety, easy preparation, and low cost.