Endobronchial foreign body removed by flexible bronchoscopy using the Trendelenburg position

Area of Science:

• Pulmonology
• Medical Devices
• Surgical Techniques

Background:

• Foreign body (FB) aspiration is a common cause of respiratory distress, necessitating timely diagnosis and intervention.
• Flexible bronchoscopy is a standard procedure for confirming and removing aspirated foreign bodies.
• Limited literature addresses age-specific techniques for foreign body removal due to anatomical variations.

Observation:

• An elderly male patient presented with foreign body aspiration.
• Initial flexible bronchoscopy for foreign body removal was unsuccessful.
• Anatomical variations in older patients may influence foreign body removal techniques.

Findings:

• Repeated flexible bronchoscopy, with the patient in the Trendelenburg position, successfully achieved foreign body removal.
• The Trendelenburg position facilitated the removal of the foreign body in this elderly patient.
• This case highlights a modified technique for challenging foreign body removal.

Implications:

• The Trendelenburg position may be a valuable modification for flexible bronchoscopy in selected elderly patients with foreign body aspiration.
• This technique could improve outcomes for difficult foreign body removals in older individuals.
• Further research into age-specific bronchoscopic techniques is warranted to optimize patient care.