Foreign body removal by flexible bronchoscopy using retrieval basket in children.

OBJECTIVES: 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.

METHODS: 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.

RESULTS: 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 ( n = 5; trachea, n = 4; subglottic area, n = 1), right bronchial tree ( n = 9), and left bronchial tree ( n = 6). Successful removal was observed in 18 (90%) cases. The only complication that occurred was mild laryngeal edema ( n = 2) after the procedure; both improved with corticosteroid administration.

CONCLUSION: Flexible bronchoscopic extraction of a foreign body in the airway using a retrieval basket in children can be performed successfully with minimal complications.