Evaluate the Role of Rigid Bronchoscopy in Tracheo-Bronchial Foreign Bodies

Tracheobronchial foreign bodies continue to present challenges to practitioners worldwide. The major issues involve the accurate diagnosis and speedy and safe removal of the foreign bodies. The aim of this study was to to assess an epidemiological data regarding airway foreign bodies in patients presenting to our institute and to assess the role of rigid bronchoscopy for diagnosis and management of cases of foreign body aspiration. Study was conducted between December 2015 and July 2021 in Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery Department. 200 patients who underwent rigid bronchoscopy in above period for suspected foreign body aspiration was included in the study. All the parameters was recorded and analysed in an attempt to define the epidemiology, clinical presentation, management and associated morbidity. Descriptive statistical analysis was done using SPSS software version 22 of Windows 7. Tracheo-bronchial foreign bodies (TFB) were more common in pediatric age group. 80% of our patients with TFB were aged less than 3 years. Most common symptom was cough (70%) and the commonest sign was diminished unilateral breath sounds (72%). Peanut was the commonest (45%) foreign body. Most common site of lodgement of TFB was right main bronchus (49%). TFB aspiration is always accidental and sudden with high mortality. It is a life threatening condition and needs urgent intervention. Rigid bronchoscopy under general anesthesia represents a safe and effective tool in the management of TFB aspiration.