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Published on: July 19, 2024
Endobronchial dental prosthesis retrieval by a snare technique using a flexible bronchoscope and fluoroscopy: Two
Hideo Ichimura1, Michihiro Maeda2, Shinji Kikuchi3
1Department of Thoracic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan; Department of Thoracic Surgery, Hitachi General Hospital, Hitachi, Japan.
Abstract:
We describe two cases in each of which a dental prosthesis, presenting as an endobronchial foreign body (FB), was successfully retrieved using a snare technique employing a flexible bronchoscope and fluoroscopy that enabled us to avoid the need for rigid bronchoscope and thoracotomy. In one case, the FB was peripherally lodged and bronchoscopically invisible. In the other case, the FB was observed in the right intermediate bronchus, but the grasping basket and forceps were unable to retrieve it. The combination of a flexible bronchoscope and fluoroscopy extended the application of the snare technique to bronchoscopically invisible FBs and facilitated placement of an encircling loop around the FB. Since dental prostheses are rigid and irregular in shape, the snare loop technique can be used. For patients in a stable condition with a dental prosthesis FB, using the snare technique with a flexible bronchoscope and fluoroscopy is a good option. We provide technical tips based on our experiences.
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