Abstract:Objective To investigate the indication and clinical application of lateral cervical incision to the removal of the cervical esophageal foreign body. Methods The clinical data of 25 patients suffering from esophageal foreign body and treated with lateral cervical incision from Jan 2001 to March 2011 was analyzed retrospectively. In these 25 cases, 21 had esophageal perforation (with cervical abscess in 18 and without abscess in 3). Four cases with impacted foreign body had no esophageal perforation. Results All 25 cases were cured through lateral cervical incision. Three cases had postoperative hoarseness and among them two got completely recovered within 6 months. Two cases with tracheotomy were decannulated during hospitalization. Conclusion Lateral cervical incision should be indicated in the management if cervical esophageal foreign body with esophageal perforation and cervical abscess, penetrating foreign body without cervical abscess, or some impacted foreign body without esophageal perforation.