Esophagus Impaction and Perforation by Jujube: A Tale of Double Trouble

Abstract

Sharp foreign body ingestion may result in simple impaction to mucosal perforation along the gastrointestinal tract. We report a rare case of a 62-year-old woman with jujube ingestion, a fruit that contains sharp-edged seeds causing impaction in the esophagus. Contrast computed tomography confirmed the transverse lie of the seed at the esophageal wall with features of through-and-through perforation. Flexible endoscopy under local anaesthesia successfully retrieved the jujube seed, followed by application of endoscopic hemoclips for the esophageal perforation. The patient was discharged well within a few days with no fatal outcomes.