External Auditory Canal Foreign Body Extraction Outcomes.

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Pediatric Emergency Medicine
• Medical Device Technology

Background:

• Foreign bodies in the pediatric external auditory canal (EAC) are common presentations.
• Management strategies vary based on clinical setting, impacting outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the success rates of pediatric EAC foreign body extraction between emergency departments (ED) and otolaryngology (OTO) clinics.
• To identify factors influencing successful foreign body removal in children.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective chart review of 1197 pediatric patients with EAC foreign bodies from January 2010 to April 2015.
• Analysis of patient demographics, foreign body characteristics, removal techniques, and complications.
• Comparison of outcomes based on clinical setting (ED vs. OTO).

Main Results:

• Successful removal rates were significantly higher in the OTO clinic (92.9%) compared to the ED (67.9%).
• Beads and spherical objects were associated with lower success rates.
• Complication rates were substantially higher in the ED (35.7%) versus the OTO clinic (5.0%).

Conclusions:

• The ED is a common initial point of care for pediatric EAC foreign bodies, but with lower success rates and higher complication risks.
• Referral to an otolaryngologist is recommended for spherical foreign bodies or after an initial unsuccessful removal attempt.