Bronchoscopic removal of inhaled foreign bodies in children

Abstract

This report analyses the problems of anaesthesia in 63 children, mainly in the age group 1-3 years, having bronchoscopy for removal of inhaled foreign bodies. Most of the inhaled material was vegetable matter (nuts or water-melon seeds) which does not cause gross X-ray changes until after 24 hours, at which time valvular obstruction commonly causes local hyperaeration. All patients underwent bronchoscopy under halothane and oxygen anaesthesia. Ventilation was assisted by oxygen flushing via a sidearm on the bronchoscope. © 1974 John Sherratt and Son Ltd.