PurposeTo investigate predictive risk factors for complications associated with migrating fish bones in the surrounding tissue of upper gastrointestinal tract.MethodsA retrospective analysis over 12years was conducted of 45 cases of buried fish bones in the surrounding tissue of upper gastrointestinal tract with complications. Meanwhile, a control group, including 39 cases of prolonged buried fish bones in the surrounding tissue of upper gastrointestinal tract without complications, was set. Patient clinical data were collected and analyzed to predict the risk factors for complications.ResultsThe results of Chi-square test and univariate analysis both showed a significant difference in length of fish bone (>2cm), a history of concurrent medical illness (diabetes mellitus and renal hypofunction), symptoms (medium or heavy pain and dysphagia), and duration of significant symptoms (>7 days) between the complication group and non-complication group. Multivariate analysis further identified length (>2cm), diabetes mellitus, medium or heavy pain, dysphagia, and duration of significant symptoms (>7 days) as independent risk factors for complications.ConclusionsThe consequences of fish bones migrating outside the upper gastrointestinal tract are various in different people. Awareness should be raised when encountering a patient ingesting a long fish bone, having a history of diabetes mellitus, presenting with significant discomforts, or these discomforts lasting for a long time. This study will help practitioners counsel their patients on the risks and `benefits of surgery versus observation of this condition.