A common health problem in children: Tracheobronchial Foreign body aspirations

Background: Tracheobronchial foreign body aspiration is serious health problem in children. In this paper, we aimed to present our experience in tracheobronchial foreign body aspirations and rigid bronchoscopy in children. Methods: Between January 1990 and May 2015, 693 patients less than 17 years of age with presumptive diagnosis of tracheobronchial aspiration of foreign bodies were included this study. Patients records were retrospectively analysed according to age, gender, symptoms and physical findings, foreign body type and localization, radiologic findings and treatments. Results: Three hundred fifty one of the patients were male (51%) and 342 patients were female (49%). All patients underwent rigid bronchoscopy procedure except six patients. Foreign bodies were found in 589 patients (85%). Mcgill clemp was used for removing of foreign bodies settled on vocal cords in six patients and subsequently, rigid bronchoscopy was performed for checking of tracheobronchial system. Thoracotomy was required in four patients (0.7%). The most common foreign bodies were nuts (n=373). The most frequent localization site of foreign bodies was right bronchial system (n=292). The chief radiologic finding was obstructive emphysema (n=296). Cardiopulmonary arrest occurred in 11 patients and 2 of them died (0,3%). Conclusion: The gold standard in diagnosis and management of tracheobronchial foreign body aspiration is bronchoscopy, which can be performed with a low complication rate.