Patients with acute oesophageal obstruction, either due to a foreign body or food bolus, present to any of the specialties of Otorhinolaryngology, General Surgery, Cardiothoracic Surgery or Gastroenterology. To review current routine management of this condition, we conducted a postal survey of all the consultants in the aforementioned specialties in the South Thames region. The aims of the survey were to assess current practice and to produce a standardized management plan for these patients.