Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 17, 2026

Endotracheal Intubation via Tracheotomy and Subsequent Thoracotomy in Rats for Non-Survival Applications
04:43

Endotracheal Intubation via Tracheotomy and Subsequent Thoracotomy in Rats for Non-Survival Applications

Published on: March 15, 2024

Removal of an unexpected tracheal foreign body after five months

Andrea Gentili1, Domenico Saggese, Mario Lima

  • 1Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, Saint Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, Bologna University, Bologna, Italy.

Journal of Laparoendoscopic & Advanced Surgical Techniques. Part A
|June 16, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Foreign body aspiration in children can cause severe lung issues. A rabbit vertebra was successfully removed from a 15-month-old

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Pulmonology
  • Pediatric Otolaryngology
  • Pediatric Emergency Medicine

Background:

  • Foreign body aspiration poses significant risks for pediatric pulmonary health, necessitating prompt diagnosis and intervention to avert chronic complications.
  • Gastroesophageal reflux is a common condition in infants, but it can sometimes mask or be confused with other airway pathologies.

Observation:

  • A 15-month-old child presented with a five-month history of regurgitation, vomiting, recurrent tracheobronchitis, and pneumonia, initially diagnosed as gastroesophageal reflux.
  • Laryngotracheal endoscopy unexpectedly revealed a partially obstructing rabbit vertebra lodged at the cricoid cartilage level within the airway.

Findings:

  • The foreign body, identified as a rabbit vertebra, was successfully dislodged and extracted using a rigid bronchoscope with a telescope-equipped forceps.
  • Post-extraction endoscopic evaluation at six months showed complete resolution of laryngeal and tracheal alterations, indicating successful treatment.

Implications:

  • This case highlights the importance of considering unusual foreign body aspirations in the differential diagnosis of persistent respiratory symptoms in children, even when gastroesophageal reflux is suspected.
  • Endoscopic foreign body removal is a safe and effective treatment, preventing long-term sequelae and improving patient outcomes in pediatric airway emergencies.

More Related Videos

Seeding and Implantation of a Biosynthetic Tissue-engineered Tracheal Graft in a Mouse Model09:57

Seeding and Implantation of a Biosynthetic Tissue-engineered Tracheal Graft in a Mouse Model

Published on: April 1, 2019

Murine Intrapulmonary Tracheal Transplantation: A Model for Investigating Obliterative Airway Disease After Lung Transplantation06:15

Murine Intrapulmonary Tracheal Transplantation: A Model for Investigating Obliterative Airway Disease After Lung Transplantation

Published on: November 10, 2023

Related Concept Videos

Tracheostomy Decannulation01:21

Tracheostomy Decannulation

Tracheostomy decannulation is a significant milestone in the liberation of mechanically ventilated patients. Despite its importance, there is no universally accepted protocol for this procedure. This demands an evidence-based, individualized approach.
Description of the Procedure
Decannulation refers to the permanent removal of the tracheostomy tube, signaling the resolution of the condition that initially necessitated the tracheostomy. The process requires a well-coordinated interplay between...
Trachea01:22

Trachea

The trachea, commonly known as the windpipe, is a vital part of the human respiratory system. It serves as a passageway for air to travel between the larynx and the bronchi, allowing oxygen to reach the lungs. Let's explore its anatomical features, dimensions, layers of the tracheal wall, associated muscles, and the functions of its parts.
Anatomical Features:
Location: About half of the trachea is situated in the neck, anterior to the esophagus, and extends from the larynx (at the level of the...
Tracheostomy: Procedure and Tubes01:28

Tracheostomy: Procedure and Tubes

A tracheostomy is a surgical procedure that creates an artificial opening into the trachea, typically at the second or third cartilaginous ring level. This opening allows the insertion of a tracheostomy tube, which can replace an endotracheal tube, provide mechanical ventilation, bypass an upper airway obstruction, or remove accumulated tracheobronchial secretions.
Tracheostomy tubes can be made of semiflexible plastic (polyurethane or silicone), rigid plastic, or metal, and they come in...
Tracheostomy Care I: Pre-procedural Steps01:16

Tracheostomy Care I: Pre-procedural Steps

A tracheostomy is a surgical technique that involves making an incision in the neck to provide access to the trachea. It is frequently used in medical conditions such as airway obstruction and prolonged mechanical ventilation. Effective nursing management is crucial for the long-term success of a tracheostomy.
Required Equipment
The equipment necessary for tracheostomy care includes:
Tracheostomy Care II: Procedure01:25

Tracheostomy Care II: Procedure

Tracheostomy care is an essential nursing skill that involves cleaning and maintaining a tracheostomy tube to prevent infection and other complications. Here's a step-by-step guide explaining each procedure with its rationale. Note that disposable gloves are to be worn at all times and changed as often as needed to maintain a sterile work environment, and to protect both patient and healthcare worker.
Step 1: Perform hand hygiene, and put on personal protective equipment: gown, gloves, mask and...
Endotracheal Tube Extubation01:24

Endotracheal Tube Extubation

Endotracheal tube extubation is a critical procedure in weaning patients from mechanical ventilation. It involves physically removing the oral or nasal endotracheal (ET) tube, marking the final step in liberating a patient from ventilatory support.
Procedure
Extubation removes the endotracheal tube (ETT) from the patient on mechanical ventilation. It requires a well-coordinated, multidisciplinary approach involving physicians, nurses, respiratory therapists, and other healthcare professionals.