Foreign Body, Early, Rigid Oesophagoscope, Flexible Bronchoscope
BACKGROUND: Accidental foreign body ingestion is common otolaryngological emergencies. Foreign body ingestion is encountered in both children and adults. Foreign body aspiration is commonly seen in children. Treatment of foreign body is prompt by invasive removal under general anaesthesia for maximum safety and minimal trauma. A total of 56 patients over 2 years’ period were studied. Early rigid oesophagoscopy/flexible bronchoscopy are effective and safe in removal of foreign body to prevent any complications. OBJECTIVES To evaluate early diagnosis and removal of foreign body in prevention of complications and to determine a common age group in the incidence of foreign body ingestion/aspiration. MATERIAL AND METHODS Patients with history of ingested/aspiration of foreign body between August 2014 to July 2016 are included in this study. A total of 56 cases of aerodigestive tract foreign bodies were treated. Patients with history of ingested/aspiration of foreign body were clinically examined. Routine neck and chest x-ray in both AP and lateral were taken. Rigid oesophagoscopy or bronchoscopy under GA were done on emergency basis in sharp objects and patients in respiratory distress. Oesophagoscopy under GA is performed within 24 hours in cases of blunt foreign bodies. RESULTS In our study of 56 cases, foreign bodies were common among children (0-14) years is 76.5%. Adults is 23.5%. No complications were encountered in this study. CONCLUSION Based on these observations, we conclude that foreign body ingestion/aspiration are common in children, prompt removal by invasive procedures under general anaesthesia is safe, causes minimal trauma and prevents complications.
