[Removal of foreign bodies from the trachea. Indications for tracheobronchoscopy with a rigid instrument]

Intrathoracic disease is nowadays better investigated by fibreoptic endoscopy than by the use of rigid endoscopes. Nevertheless the use of rigid systems is still indicated for the removal of foreign bodies, especially in children. In this paper diagnostic procedures and techniques are reviewed. Seventy per cent of all inhaled or ingested foreign bodies present in children, 55% of them under 4 years of age. The foreign bodies should be extracted with the patient under general anaesthesia. Since many physicians now perform endoscopy, the foreign body cases should be concentrated in one institution in each region to ensure that one group has sufficient experience with rigid systems.