Foreign bodies in otorhinolaryngology. Management and outcome

To analyze the data of patients with otorhinolaryngological foreign bodies and to evaluate the management and outcomes of foreign bodies to prevent complications.

A retrospective study was conducted over 8 years at Aseer Central Hospital to examine all admitted cases with foreign bodies in the ear, nose, throat, esophagus and bronchus during the period from January 2011 to January 2019. Patient demographic data, type of foreign body, and most common site were analyzed.

A total of 184 patients were admitted, including 72 (39.1%) males and 112 (60.9%) females. The age range was from one year old to 70 years old; the mean±standard deviation of age was 10.6±12.55 years. Foreign bodies were most commonly located in the esophagus (n=97, 52.7%), followed by the bronchus (n=55, 29.9%). A statistically significant difference was found, with a p-value of 0.00001. The most common site in children was the bronchus (n=39, 21%); the most common site in adults was the esophagus (n=18, 72%).

Otorhinolaryngological foreign bodies are found most frequently in preschool-aged children. The most common site in children was the bronchus, and the most common site in adults was the esophagus. Prevention measures are essential to reduce the risk of ingestion and admission, which can be challenging.