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Introduction: Our aim was to investigate the success rate of fiberoptic bronchoscopy (FB) in endobronchial foreign body removal, and to determine the clinical, radiological, and endoscopic features of non-asphyxiating foreign body aspiration in adolescents and adults.
Patients and methods: Seven of 1799 (0.4%) bronchoscopies were performed to remove foreign bodies between October 2003 and September 2006. FB was performed with patients in the supine position using an oral approach. Alligator jaw forceps or three-prong flexible grasping hooks were used to remove the foreign body. All bronchoscopies were performed by the same bronchoscopist. The process was not repeated when the foreign body could not be removed. In these cases, the foreign body was removed by rigid bronchoscopy under general anesthesia. All complications were recorded.
Results: Two of seven (29%) patients were male, and five (71%) were female. The most frequent symptom was cough (86%). Five (72%) patients had aspirated a headscarf pin; one (14%), a rubber with a metallic tip; and another (14%), a lemon seed. Foreign bodies were found in the right bronchial system in three (43%) patients, the left bronchial system in another three (43%), and the trachea in one (14%) patient. Foreign bodies were removed successfully in six (86%) of seven patients. No complications occurred.
Conclusions: Removing non-asphyxiating foreign bodies in adolescents and adults with FB is a safe and successful method when performed by an experienced bronchoscopist, well educated staff, and at a well equipped bronchoscopy unit.