Tracheobronchial foreign body in children – 10 years experience

Abstract

Introduction: Presentation of ENT Department – Timisoara 10 years experience of in the diagnosis and treatment of tracheobronchial foreign body in children. We studied 93 children, aged between 10 months and 8 years. Methods: The diagnosis of airways penetrating syndrome was established on history, clinical examination, cardiopulmonary X-ray, CT (virtual bronchoscopy) and rigid videotracheobronhoscopy. Foreign body removal was performed using pediatric Karl-Storz tracheobronhoscopy kit, under general anesthesia and video documentation. Results: The repartition of the cases according to age was: 76 cases were between 10 month and 3 years; 17 cases were between 3 and 8 years. Foreign body localization was: 53 cases in right bronchus, left bronchus 23 cases, 12 cases with bilateral localization, 4 cases in the trachea and 1 case with subglottic localization. In 72 cases there was an organic nature of the foreign body, while in 21 cases there was an anorganic nature. All other patients presented a good evolution, with no complication after extraction of the foreign body. Conclusions: Close cooperation between the ENT specialist, paediatrician, radiologist and anesthesiologist is necessary for the management of tracheobronchial foreign body. Supported by: ENT Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, ”Victor Babes” Timisoara Der Erstautor gibt keinen Interessenkonflikt an.