Outcomes variability in esophageal foreign body removal: Is daytime removal better?

---

Ellen M Friedman, Zhen Huang, Danielle Guffey and Charles G Minard

Baylor College of Medicine, USA

: J Otol Rhinol

Abstract

---

Objective: The objective of this study is to look at the differences between esophageal foreign body removal in asymptomatic patients performed during standard operating room hours and those performed after-hours. Methods: A retrospective chart review at a tertiary children’s hospital identified 264 cases of esophageal foreign bodies between 2006-2011. Variables pertaining to operating time, hospital charges, and complications, length of stay, ASA, and presence of mucosal injury were tabulated and analyzed for differences between cases performed during standard operating hours and those performed after-hours. Results: There are no statistically significant differences in patient characteristics between procedures performed during normal hours compared to after-hours. However, procedures performed during normal hours tend to have a longer length of stay. Conclusion: After-hours removal of non-emergent esophageal foreign bodies was similar in efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and safety compared with removal during standard operating hours.

Biography

---