ABSTRACT
To highlight foreign body [FB] inhalation and management by rigid bronchoscope in ENT department at Shifa hospital [Gaza-Palestine]. 150 cases were referred to ENT evaluation for possible FB inhalation, 104 [69.3%] with history of FB inhalation and 46 [30.7%] with history of respiratory illnesses. Patients studied aged 1 month to 8 years. Male/female ratio was 63.3/36. 88 [58.7%] of the cases presented with positive foreign body. Resting site[s] of foreign body: 3 [3.4%] cases presented with foreign bodies in the subglottis, 14 [15.9%] in trachea, 46 [52.3%] in right main bronchus, and 25 [28.4%] in left main bronchus. Types of foreign bodies observed: 35 [39.8%] patients examined had water melon seeds, 35 [39.8%] had bean, 14 [15.9%] had food particles, and 4 [4.5%] had plastic particles. The majority of patients treated had complete removal of FBs: 147 [98%] from the first intervention with bronchoscope and the rest FBs required a second intervention. No mortalities occurred amongst patients during the course of this study. rigid bronchoscope is a potentially safe and effective procedure for foreign body removal from the respiratory tract