Anesthetic management in a 1‐year‐old child undergoing removal of a large metal tracheobronchial foreign body

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Pediatric tracheobronchial foreign body aspiration can be a life‐threatening emergency, especially in young children because of their decreased respiratory reserve and smaller‐diameter airways. Case presentation We herein present a case in which a 1‐year‐old female child aspirated a 9‐cm long metal chain into the lower trachea and right main bronchus. The chain was removed via low tracheotomy and rigid bronchoscopy under general anesthesia. An intravenous anesthetic alone with a muscle relaxant was used to ensure an immobile airway during surgery instead of the more commonly used inhalation anesthetics with spontaneous ventilation. Conclusion The case re‐affirms that the removal of some large and irregular airway foreign bodies is a challenging procedure that requires a proper anesthetic plan and coordination with surgeons.

Keywords

• Foreign bodies
• General anesthesia
• Pediatric