Bronchoscopic extraction of aspirated foreign bodies in children
A. M. Kosloske
New instruments and techniques have refined the art of extracting aspirated
foreign bodies from children. During a five-year period at the University
of New Mexico, Albuquerque, bronchoscopic extractions were successful in 40
of 41 children (98%). The extractions were performed with the patient under
general anesthesia, using a pediatric ventilating bronchoscope that
contained the Hopkins rod-lens system. Two methods of extraction were used,
depending on the shape of the foreign object: the Fogarty balloon technique
for spherical objects, and the forceps technique for flat objects. Using
these techniques, most foreign bodies (80%) were removed on the first or
second pass of the bronchoscope. Because bronchoscopic extraction is a
delicate procedure and carries a risk of cardiorespiratory arrest, it
should be performed by endoscopists and anesthesiologists who are skilled
with this procedure in children.
