Fiberbronchoscopic retrieval of iatrogenically introduced endobronchial foreign body

Although the traditional management of aspiration of foreign bodies has been extraction with the open tube bronchoscope, an expanding array of these have now been removed with the flexible bronchofiberscope. Accidental introduction of a foreign body into the tracheobronchial tree is a poorly recognized, but potentially common hazard of topical anesthetic preparation before endotracheal intubation. We demonstrate that this can be safely and rapidly managed by bedside fiberbronchoscopy. Circumstances favoring the use of the fiberbronchoscope for foreign body extraction are suggested.