Foreign body removal in adults and children

Foreign body aspiration (FBA) is a common problem in small children and may result in potentially life-threatening complications. Although the clinica l picture is usually highly suggestive, almost one half of the children wit h a history of choking have no FB in the airways. Fiberoptic bronchoscopy, which ran be performed under local anesthesia with mild sedation, is the pr ocedure of choice to ascertain the diagnosis. Rigid bronchoscopy remains th e safest technique for extraction. Fiberoptic bronchoscopy should always be performed by a skilled operator able to convert to rigid tube extraction, FBA is less common in adults and can remain silent for a long time. In cont rast to children, fiberoptic bronchoscopy can usually be used for diagnosis and for extraction. This article will focus on the practical aspects of th e management of children and adults with suspected FBA.