Bronchial foreign bodies in sudanese children

Abstract AR

This study reflects the experience of the author using rigid bronchoscopy with foreign bodies in the bronchus in Sudanese children over a 10 year period from 1987 to 1997.

In this period, a total of426 bronchoscopies were performed: 291 cases (68%) were below 2 years of age; 86 cases (20%) were between 2-5 years of age; and 49 cases (12%) were over 5 years of age.

The male to female ratio was 2.3:1 (298:128).

In 392 cases (92%), the foreign body was located in the right main bronchus.

In 21 cases (5%), the foreign body was located in the left - main bronchus.

In 13 cases (3%), it was located in the trachea.

In 256 cases (60%), the foreign body was a peanut.

In 128 cases (30%), watermelon seeds were involved.

The remaining cases included 26 (6%) various plastic objects and beads and 16 (4%) various metal objects.

Ninety percent of the foreign bodies were radiotranslucent showing minimal or no radiological signs.

All foreign bodies were successfully removed except 2 cases (0.5%) which were operative mortalities.