Endoscopic removal of the tracheobronchial foreign bodies at a peripheral hospital

ABSTRACT

To evaluate the use of therapeutic endoscopic procedures for inhaled foreign bodies at a peripheral hospital. Material and This study was conducted from 28th April 2001 till May 2003 at DHQ Hospital Timergara District Dir NWFP. Forty eight patients [34 male and 14 female, age range 7 months -14 years] who underwent endoscopic examination for foreign bodies were included in this study. The endoscopic procedure was performed under general anaesthesia. The most common affected age group was under 3 years. The commonest site in order of frequency was right main bronchus 30 [62.5%] followed by left main bronchus 13 [27.0%], trachea 3[6.3%] and larynx 2[4.2%]. The commonest foreign body was peanut 31[64.6%] followed by whistles 8[16.6%], bean seed 4[8.3%], maize seed 2[4.2%] bead, disposable needle and Chalia [2.1%] each. The success was achieved in 100% cases with no mortality. Early diagnosis and management is essential to prevent morbidity and mortality associated with foreign bodies