RIGID BRONCHOSCOPY IN THE TREATMENT OF FOREIGN BODY ASPIRATION

Introduction: rigid bronchoscopy is useful in treatment of foreign body aspiration as well as in many diagnostic procedures. patients and metods: in this study we aimed to evaluate retrospectively our patients with foreign body aspiration between 2001-2015 in terms of age, gender, type and localisation of aspirated material and complications. results: during this period 168 patients have undergone rigid bronchoscopy for foreign body aspiration. foreign body was detected and removed in 162 of them. in 17 patients a metallic object, in 33 plastic material and in 112 patients food remains were detected. post-operatively 3 patients (1.7%) needed intensive care unit. two children received thoracotomy because of ineffectiveness of rigid bronchoscopy. in six patients (3.6%) foreign body was not detected. conclusion:rigid bronchoscopy is a reliable and life-saving procedure in pediatric patients for foreign body aspiration.