Foreign Body Aspiration in Children at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital

Abstract

Introduction: Foreign body aspiration is a common life threatening event. Foreign bodies in the tracheobronchial tree account for significant morbidity and mortality in children and a high index of suspicion is required for prompt diagnosis Objectives: To review cases of aspirated foreign bodies in children at the Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) Department, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH). Materials and Methods: This was a six-year retrospective study conducted at the ENT Department, KATH. Data evaluated included age, sex, nature of the foreign body, location of the foreign body and outcomes of direct laryngoscopy/bronchoscopy. Data were analyzed with SPSS version 20. Results: There were 45 cases:  64.4% (n=29) were males giving a male to female ratio of 2:1. Majority of foreign body aspirations occurred in children 3years or below. Aspiration of metallic objects occurred more frequently 9 (20.0%) followed by corn 8 (17.8%) and plastic objects 6 (13.3%). Majority of foreign bodies were located in the right main bronchus and there were two failed bronchoscopies. Conclusion: Foreign body aspiration occurred more frequently in children three years or less and was more common in males. Majority of foreign bodies were located/lodged in the right main bronchus with metallic objects being the most aspirated.