Foreign body removal by flexible bronchoscopy using retrieval basket in children

Abstract

<b>OBJECTIVES:</b> Aspiration of foreign bodies into the tracheobronchial tree is a common accident in children. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and outcome of foreign body removal by flexible bronchoscopy using a retrieval basket in children.<br><b>METHODS:</b> This was a retrospective study of children treated for foreign bodies in the airway via flexible bronchoscopy using a retrieval basket at a tertiary hospital in Korea between February 2014 and October 2017. The medical records of the patients were retrospectively reviewed and analyzed.<br><b>RESULTS:</b> A total of 20 children underwent foreign body removal from the airway via flexible bronchoscopy using a retrieval basket. The median age of the patients was 16 (range, 10–21.5) months, and 12 (60%) were male. Foreign bodies removed included 16 (80%) organic items including peanuts, almond, and beans, and 4 (20%) inorganic items including a plastic bag, metal screw, spring, and Lego brick. The locations of the foreign bodies included the central airway (<i>n</i> = 5; trachea, <i>n</i> = 4; subglottic area, <i>n</i> = 1), right bronchial tree (<i>n</i> = 9), and left bronchial tree (<i>n</i> = 6). Successful removal was observed in 18 (90%) cases. The only complication that occurred was mild laryngeal edema (<i>n</i> = 2) after the procedure; both improved with corticosteroid administration.<br><b>CONCLUSION:</b> Flexible bronchoscopic extraction of a foreign body in the airway using a retrieval basket in children can be performed successfully with minimal complications.