Related Experiment Videos
Bronchoscopy for aspirated foreign bodies in children. Experience in 131 cases
D W Vane1, J Pritchard, C W Colville
1Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis 46223.
Insights
Rigid bronchoscopy effectively removes aspirated foreign bodies in children, with a low complication rate. This safe procedure is life-saving, demonstrating zero mortality in pediatric cases.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Pediatric Surgery
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Foreign body aspiration is a common pediatric emergency.
- Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for favorable outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of rigid bronchoscopy for diagnosing and treating suspected aspirated foreign bodies in children.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 131 children undergoing rigid bronchoscopy for suspected foreign body aspiration.
- Data collected included patient demographics, clinical presentation, diagnostic imaging, procedural details, and post-procedural complications.
Main Results:
- Chest roentgenograms were highly suggestive of foreign bodies in 97% of cases.
- Successful foreign body extraction was achieved in 98.5% of procedures.
- The most common post-procedural complications included fever (20.6%) and pulmonary infiltrate (8.4%).
- No mortality was observed.
Conclusions:
- Rigid bronchoscopy is a safe and effective procedure for managing aspirated foreign bodies in children.
- The procedure has a low morbidity rate and zero mortality, highlighting its life-saving potential.
Abstract:
One hundred thirty-one children underwent rigid bronchoscopy under general anesthesia for suspected aspirated foreign bodies. There were 79 boys and 52 girls, with a mean age of 2.1 years. Physical examination showed decreased breath sounds (n = 130) and wheezing (n = 119) over the affected site. Chest roentgenograms were diagnostic or suggestive of aspirated foreign bodies in 127 cases (97%). Radiopaque lesions were noted on roentgenograms in ten cases. Four infants had a preoperative hypoxic arrest. Two patients had negative results of bronchoscopy (1.5%). Extraction of the aspirated foreign body was carried out at laryngoscopy in two patients and by forceps under direct vision at bronchoscopy in 97 patients. A Fogarty catheter was used in 12 cases. Postendoscopic complications included fever (n = 27), pulmonary infiltrate (n = 11), ventilatory support (n = 4), and pneumothorax (n = 2). Rigid bronchoscopy for aspirated foreign body in children is a safe, effective, and sometimes life-saving procedure. Morbidity is low and mortality is zero.