Bronchoscopic removal of lower airway foreign body: a two-center retrospective cohort study
摘要
Tracheobronchial foreign body (FB) aspiration is a life-threatening condition, particularly in older adults. Despite its clinical significance, research on the etiology of adult FB aspiration, as well as real-world outcomes and complications associated with FB removal in lower airways, remains limited.
Patients and methodsThis was a two-center retrospective cohort study in Japan. We included adult patients aged 18 years or older who underwent bronchoscopic FB removal between April 2010 and March 2025.
ResultsA total of 28 patients were included in this analysis (mean age, 75.4 years [median age: 75 years]; range, 55–102 years). Nineteen patients (67.9%) were male. The most frequently reported symptoms were coughing (46.4%), sputum production (39.3%), and dyspnea (17.9%). A total of 30 FBs were identified, with dental prostheses (60.0%) being the most common type, followed by natural teeth (10.0%). FBs were slightly more common on the right side (53.3%) than on the left side (43.3%), with the right lower lobe being the most frequent site of lodgement (30.0%), followed by the left lower lobe (20.7%). The most frequently bronchoscopic findings were mucosal edema (36.7%) and bleeding (26.7%). FB removal was performed using flexible bronchoscopy in 26 patients (92.9), with the exception of two cases (7.1%) in which rigid bronchoscopy was employed. Bronchoscopy was performed in the endoscopy room for 21 patients (75.0%). Among the 28 patients, standard forceps were used in 24 (85.7%), followed by basket forceps, which was employed in 10 patients (35.7%). FB removal was successful in 26 (92.9%) patients. Regarding adverse events, hypoxia was the only complication observed, occurring in 18 patients (64.3%); no other adverse events were reported.
ConclusionsMost FB in the lower airways can be successfully and safely removed via flexible bronchoscopy.