Abstract:

 To investigate the characteristics of tracheobronchial foreign bodies and  effective methods for them so as to decrease complications and mortality. MethodsThe clinical data of 1368 cases were retrospectively analyzed. Of them 1334 cases had the foreign bodies taken out by bronchoscopy under general anesthesia, 20 cases by bronchoscopy without anesthesia, 6 by tracheotomy and 8 by thoracotomy. Results1365 cases had the foreign bodies taken out, and 1345 cases were successfully operated on one time and 6 cases two times. After the operations, 25 cases had edema of the larynx and 2 died of asphyxia.  ConclusionTotal intravenous anesthesia combined with surface anesthesia of the respiratory tract mucosa is the ideal anesthesia method for taking out foreign bodies in the respiratory tract by bronchoscopy. In some cases, tracheotomy and thoracotomy are needed.

Key words: Foreign body; Respiratory  tract; Bronchoscope; Tracheotomy