BRONCHOSCOPIC EXTRACTION OF ASPIRATED FOREIGN-BODIES IN CHILDREN IN HARARE

Fifty eight children underwent rigid bronchoscopy under general anaest hesia for suspected aspirated foreign bodies, There were 36 boys and 2 2 girls with a median age of thirty three months. Physical examination showed decreased breath sounds and wheezing over the affected site in forty seven cases. Chest x-rays were diagnostic in eleven cases showi ng definite radiopaque shadow and suggestive of aspirated foreign body in thirty five (60%). Three patients had negative results of bronchos copy (5.2%). Extraction of foreign bodies was performed by forceps und er direct vision at bronchoscopy in fifty five patients. Two children had an intraoperative hypoxic arrest, Post endoscopic complications in cluded mild to moderate croup in fifteen patients (26%), fever in four and pneumothorax in one. Rigid bronchoscopy of aspirated foreign bodi es in children is a safe, effective and often life saving procedure. M orbidity is low and although mortality was 1.8% in this series zero mo rtality should be achievable.