1. Muhammad Amer Nadeem 2. Hassan Iqbal 3. Akif Adnan 4. Tahseen-ul Hassan Farooqi

1. Asst. Prof. of Otorhinolaryngology, 2. Assoc. Prof of ENT, 3. Senior Registrar of ENT, 4. Prof. of ENT, Nishtar Medical College & Hospital Multan

ABSTRACT

Objective: To determine the types, management and complications of tracheobronchial foreign bodies.  Study Design: cross sectional study

Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at ENT Department of Nishtar Hospital Multan from January 2010 to December 2011.

Patients and Methods: 150 patients underwent rigid bronchoscopy under general anesthesia after routine investigations and x-rays chest where feasible.

Results: A total 150 patients underwent bronchoscopy for diagnostic as well as therapeutic purposes. Most common foreign bodies were peanuts (40.66%), beetle nuts (18.66%) and whistles (18.66%). In 137 (91.33%) patients, foreign bodies were removed on bronchoscopy at first attempt. 10 (6.67%) cases were diagnostic and only 2 (1.33%) cases were subjected to open surgical removal. One (0.67%) of the patients died in ICU after removal of foreign body.

Conclusion: Early diagnosis and timely management of foreign bodies with bronchoscopy saves patients life and avoids complications. Younger children should not be offered peanuts, whistles or toys that can be inhaled.

Key Words: Foreign body airway, Tracheobronchial tree, Bronchoscopy