Flexible Bronchoscopic Removal of Foreign Bodies from Airway of Children: Single Center Experience Over 12 Years

Abstract

To report our experience of tracheobronchial foreign body removal in children using flexible bronchoscopy as the primary mode. Hospital records of tracheobronchial foreign body extractions between January, 2006 and January, 2018 were reviewed. Clinical presentations, radiological findings, location and types of tracheobronchial foreign bodies, types of bronchoscopes, complications and outcome of the procedures were analyzed. 283 extractions in children with median (range) age of 18 (5-168) months were reviewed. Extraction by flexible bronchoscope, using wire baskets or grasping forceps, was successful in 260 cases. No major complications were encountered. Mean (SD) time for the procedure was 31 (6.3) minutes. Airway foreign bodies can safely be removed by flexible bronchoscopy with minimal complications. This procedure can be considered the primary mode for removal of airway foreign bodies by a trained and experienced person.