ObjectiveTo discuss the indication and vital procedure of lateral neck incision applied for the removal of relatively big esophageal incarcerated foreign body, in order to improve the level of diagnosis and treatment of esophageal foreign body. MethodsThe clinical data of 23 patients suffering from esophageal incarcerated foreign body and treated between May 2009 and May 2012 were retrospectively analyzed. Time of onset, foreign body type and shape, and operation method were studied. ResultsAll 23 patients recovered successfully and were discharged from the hospital within 1 week, without severe complications like esophageal perforation or esophageal peripheral inflammation. ConclusionFor esophageal superior segment big incarcerated foreign body, lateral neck incision can expand the visual field, reduce operation blind area, avoid irregular injury of the esophageal wall and occurrence of complications.