Foreign body retrieval using a flexible video-bronchoscope in a child

Abstract

While several articles describe clinical management of foreign bodies (FBs) in proximal airways, most using a rigid bronchoscope; flexible bronchoscopy and its utility in management of airway FB is unclear. This case report aims to highlight the ever increasing evidence of use of flexible video-bronchoscopes in FB removal from airways with minimal sedation and complications, when performed by an expert. A 13-month-old male child presented with a history of peanut aspiration and its removal using a flexible video-bronchoscope under minimal sedation. Rigid bronchoscopy remains the gold standard for removal of proximal airway FB. There is growing evidence that flexible video-bronchoscopy can be used for retrieval too, albeit by expert hands.

Keywords

• Airway foreign body
• flexible video bronchoscopy
• foreign body extraction
• pediatric bronchoscopy