Rigid Bronchoscopy in Pediatric Patients

Aspiration of foreign-bodies remains a major life-threatening situation in children and have always been a source of interest and confusion to otolaryngologists due to their varied presentations. These conditions if not promptly diagnosed and managed can prove to be fatal, but the current mortality is only one percent compared to pre bronchoscopy era (Rothman and Boeckman in Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol 89:434-436, 1980). Peak incidence of this condition is in early childhood due to child's habit of putting small objects in mouth to determine their taste and texture and chew while teething. This is a study conducted retrospectively from 2012 to 2017 in a teritiary care center. It includes a total of 70 cases of foreign body in airway who underwent rigid bronchoscopy under general anaesthesia. The patients were all in paediatric age group but mostly between 6 months to 3 years. The youngest patient was 3 months old and the oldest 12 years old. Male children (70%, n = 49) were more common than female children (30%, n = 21) with a male to female ratio of 2.33:1. A definite history of foreign body aspiration was given in only 70% cases, but the most common symptom were cough (100%) and breathlessness (80%). Organic foreign bodies (76.36%, n = 42) were more common when compared to inorganic foreign bodies. Foreign body most commonly impacted in Right main bronchus (49.09%, n = 27) followed by Left main bronchus (31.42%) and lastly the trachea (19.49%). Even though the mortality in patients of foreign body aspiration is low, it is essential to have proper cooperation between the otolaryngologists, paediatrician and the radiologist for rapid diagnosis and prompt management. It is advised to have a second look to check all the bronchopulmonary segments. Life saving steps are Prompt referral, early diagnosis and vigilant management.