Abstract
Background: Globally, foreign bodies (FBs) in the ear are commonly encountered by otolaryngologists and its removal can result in complications if attempts of removal are made outside the healthcare setting by untrained personnel. This study describes the clinical presentation and treatment outcomes among patients presenting with FB s in the ear at Bugando Medical Centre (BMC). Methods: This was a cross sectional study that was conducted at BMC between May 2019 and October 2019. Results: A total of 70 patients (M: F ratio = 1.3:1) were studied. The mean age at presentation for children was 5.1[±2.2] years, whereas that of adults was 28.9 [±16.1] years. The FBs were found in the right ear in 44(62.9%) patients, left ear in 25(35.7%) patients and in both ears in 1(1.4%) patient. Cotton was the most common FB in 34.3% of cases. Previous history of failed attempted ear FB removal by peripheral hospitals was reported in 15(21.4%) patients. Methods used in the removal of ear FB were ear syringing in 42(60.0%) patients, forceps extraction in 15(21%) cases, FB removal by suctioning 4(6%) and hooks in 9(15%) patients. Complications observed were external ear canal laceration (n=13; 50.0%), tympanic membrane perforation (n=9; 34.6%), otitis externa (n=3; 11.5%) and chronic otitis media (n=1; 3.8%) and were significantly associated with late presentation (≥ 7 days) (p-value =0.021) and previous history of failed attempted ear FB removal (p-value < 0.001). The outcome of treatment was excellent as all of the ear FBs were successfully removed with good improvement in hearing and clinical relief of symptoms. Conclusion: Ear FBs are common at BMC with the highest incidence in children less than 10years. Removal attempts by peripheral hospitals and delayed attending to specialized hospitals predisposes to complications. Parental education on close monitoring of their children to avoid such incidences and the need to immediately seek otorhinolaryngologists to prevent ..............
Published Version
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