incidence of foreign bodies and its management in E.N.T. practice

ABSTRACT

To evaluate foreign body [F.B.] cases in the upper aerodigestive tract and to find out the outcome in their management, in children and adults. On going prospective study. This study was carried out in the department of ENT-Head and Neck Surgery, Lyari Gen. Hospital, Karachi for a period of one year from 1st August 2005 to 31st July, 2006 Patients who visited the Emergency Department or Department of ENT -Head and Neck Surgery, Lyari General Hospital, Karachi, from 1st August 2005 to 31st July, 2006 with a history of F.B. in ear, nose throat, esoghagus or bronchus. Out of 786 patients registered in the study, 652 [83%] were children [age 0-15 years], while 134 [17%] were adults [age above 15 years. The male to female ratio was 1.11 The commonest site of impaction of FB was ear in 45.67%, followed by nose. Among children, betel nut was the commonest FB found in 124 [15.77%], followed by rubber pieces in 89 [11.32%], plastic beads in 79 [10.09%], stones in 63 [8%] etc. Coin was found in 38 [4.83%] in the region of cricopharynx and upper oesophagus. The commonest FB among adults was the fish bone in 52 [6.61%], Betel nut is the commonest FB found in children in our region, in this study. 17% of all FB occur in adult age groups. The commonest FB found in adult Age group is fish bone found in 52 patients [6.61% of all FB] Rhinolith was the only FB found in adult noses