Application of flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy in the removal of adult airway foreign bodies

Weijun Ma,Min Xu,Yeye Yang,Juan Hu,Miaoli Yang

doi:10.1186/s12893-020-00825-5

Weijun Ma, Min Xu + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1186/s12893-020-00825-5

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Abstract

BackgroundFlexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy is a rapid, cost effective and safe procedure.AimTo analyze demographic information and endoscopic findings in adult patients with airway foreign body aspiration and its removal.MethodsFifty-seven adults (40 males, 17 females; average age 40 years old) with airway foreign body aspiration were analyzed. Cough (37, 65%) was the most common clinical presentation. The most common foreign body was bone followed by dental prosthesis and food debris.ResultsIn the current study, 42 out of the 57 (74%) airway foreign bodies were successfully removed under flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy. However, it was failed in 15 patients and thus, rigid bronchoscopy was used to remove foreign bodies successfully in 13 of the 15 patients. Thoracotomy was performed for the 2 patients whose foreign body removal was unsuccessful even with rigid bronchoscopy.ConclusionThe findings of the current study revealed that flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy is a safe and effective procedure for the removal of adult airway foreign bodies in the majority of cases. Rigid bronchoscopy can be a backup procedure in case flexible bronchoscopy is failed.

Highlights

Flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy is a rapid, cost effective and safe procedure
The findings of the current study revealed that flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy is a safe and effective procedure for the removal of adult airway foreign bodies in the majority of cases
Rigid bronchoscopy can be a backup procedure in case flexible bronchoscopy is failed

Summary

Introduction

Aspiration of a foreign body into the tracheobronchial tree is a common event in children, especially in those younger than 3 years of age [1]. It is less common, aspiration of a foreign body in adults may occur. Foreign body aspiration in adult may be managed by either rigid or flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy, depending on the location of the foreign body and practice patterns. While rigid bronchoscopy has been used to remove the airway foreign body in adults, there is no gold standard of the procedure. We summarized the clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and removal of

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