Title-Optical Forceps: The Real Boon for Surgeon, Residents and Patients with Foreign Body Aspiration

Management of aspirated foreign bodies in children becomes very challenging in absence of most appropriate instruments. Rigid bronchoscopy has evolved in the long course of history. The advent of Hopkins rod telescope and optical forceps has enhanced the efficacy as well as the safety of removing tracheobronchial foreign bodies. Total 36 children of age less than 16 year with confirmed diagnosis of airway F.B. were included in the study. Two types of forceps were used: (1)Optical forceps combined with Hopkins rod lens telescope[n = 25] (2)Standard forceps [n = 11]. Most common age group was 1-5 year [n = 26] with male preponderance [n = 20]. Most common site was right bronchus in 13 cases (RMB-11, RBI-1, RLLB-1) followed by Left main bronchus in 11 cases, trachea in 10 cases, bilateral bronchus and sub-glottis each in 1 case. Vegetative F.B. were found in majority of cases [n = 26]. Mean grasping attempt, Mean bronchoscopic insertion and Mean time taken from insertion of forceps to removal of F.B. were less in optical forceps as compared to standard forceps with significant p-value. Optical forceps have advantage of high resolution & magnified view of airway, spring action in handle and better tactile sensation. These helps in correctly identifying the type, size and site of tracheobronchial foreign body. Precise grasping attempts with optical forceps reduces the chances of complications. Optical forceps have given the new dimension to the Rigid Bronchoscopy and proved to be the real boon for surgeons, residents and patients with F.B. aspiration.