C Thellin, Y Urrutia. Gastroenterology and Endoscopy News, March 17, 2026. Open Acess! ‘Uncorking’ the Esophageal Food Impaction: Why Twisting Works Better Than Pulling

An excerpt from this recent article:

Yet, just as one wouldn’t simply yank a cork from a bottle, it may be time to rethink how we approach food bolus removal. Torsional stress—twisting rather than pulling—may provide a more efficient and atraumatic method for managing these impactions, a technique we refer to as the “corkscrew method.”

Less force is required because rotation gradually disengages the bolus, decreasing the need for strong pulling or pushing. This method also poses a lower risk for mucosal injury. Shear forces are distributed rather than focused, reducing trauma.

My take: This is probably worth a try for the next food impaction requiring endoscopic removal.

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• Foreign Bodies in Children -Expert Guidance

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