Role of Flexible Bronchoscopy using Biopsy Forceps as the Initial Attempt for Headscarf Pin Aspiration Extraction

Flexible bronchoscopy is a less invasive procedure for extracting foreign bodies from the airways. However, studies on the extraction of headscarf pins are still very limited to determine the efficacy and safety of headscarf pin extraction using flexible bronchoscopy with biopsy forceps.

This retrospective study was conducted at Persahabatan Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia, on patients who had been treated in this hospital for headscarf pin extraction between January 2013 and February 2023. Fibreoptic bronchoscopy was performed under general anaesthesia. The pin was removed using Radial Jaw 4 mm single-use pulmonary biopsy forceps. The impacted sharp tip of the pin was freed first, and the proximal part of the pin body was gripped using biopsy forceps. Once a firm hold of the sharp end or the proximal part of the pin was secured, the bronchoscope and forceps were both slowly withdrawn under direct vision.

Thirty-two cases with headscarf pin aspiration were managed by fibreoptic bronchoscopy. A total of 12 patients (37.5%) came without any respiratory complaints; however, an equal number complained of cough and 6 cases (18.7%) of haemoptysis. All the cases in which the pins were visible in the airway were found with the round head down and the sharp tip oriented superiorly in the airway and impacted in the mucosa. Fibreoptic bronchoscopy extraction succeeded in 31 cases (96.8%). Only one case was converted to surgery. There were no major complications.

Fibreoptic bronchoscopy with biopsy forceps under general anaesthesia is safe and effective for the removal of headscarf pin aspiration.