Endoscopic retrieval of esophageal fishhooks using cerclage wire: A case report

Abstract

A 1.6-year-old, intact male beagle dog was presented with three day history of odynophagia and anorexia. According to the history and radiographic findings, the patient was diagnosed with esophageal and gastric foreign body due to ingesting fishhooks. Gastroesophagoscopy revealed that one fishhook located in the thoracic esophagus cranial to the heart base and the other located in the cardia region were connected with a single fishing line. Gastrotomy was performed to remove the fishhook in the cardia region and to sever the connecting fishing line. After gastrotomy, endoscopic attempts to remove the esophageal fishhook with a three, five pronged endoscopic grasping forceps, and a biopsy were unsuccessful because the fishhook was embedded deeply in the mucosa membrane. A handmade cerclage wire (16G) shaped like a snare forceps was advanced into the esophagus while visualizing the fishhook endoscopically. The cerclage wire was used to hang and retract the foreign body. The fishhook was retracted orally, resulting in successful removal. Ten days after the operation, the patient fully recovered and was discharged.