Three hundred and two cases of foreign bodies in the alimentary tract of adults treated in the First Hospital of the Chongqing University of Medical Sciences from 1958 to 1986 were analyzed with reference to the varietes and forms of the foreign bodies

their routes and ways of entrance into the alimentary tract and their clinical manifestations. Importance of early diagnosis and opportune treatment is emphasized. For detecting on transparent or semitransparent foreign bodies under fluro-scopy

the swallowed cotton fibers with barium emulsion waS found of help. Management of the cases depends on the condition of the foreign bodies. Early operation is of importance in cases of incarceration of the foreign bodies so as to prevent serious complications