Clinical outcomes of sharp esophageal foreign bodies in elderly patients: a retrospective study from Wuhan, China

Delayed medical consultation, severe complications like perforation and abscess, and underlying esophageal comorbidities are key factors necessitating surgical intervention for sharp EFBs in the elderly. Fever at admission and pre-hospital delay are strong independent predictors of the need for surgery. Prompt diagnosis and endoscopic management, when feasible, are associated with shorter hospitalizations and better functional outcomes.