An analysis was performed of 46 consecutive children who received esophageal bougienage for an ingested coin lodged in the esophagus. All patients met the following clinical criteria necessary for performance of this procedure: an acutely ingested single coin, radiographically localized in the esophagus; no previous history of an esophageal disease process, surgical procedure performed or foreign body removed; and no respiratory compromise upon physical examination. All coins were successfully advanced distally into the stomach after one pass of the bougie dilator. No complications were noted during or after performance of any procedure. Esophageal bougienage is a safe and effective method used to dislodge and pass an ingested coin from the esophagus when criteria for its performance are adhered to rigidly.