Navigating Challenges in Adult Airway Foreign Body Extraction: Retrospective Insights From Flexible Bronchoscopy

Background Airway foreign body aspiration is an emergency predominantly observed in children and the elderly. However, it also occurs in adults, presenting with a variety of symptoms. Both rigid and flexible bronchoscopies are employed for foreign body retrieval. In this context, we share our experience with foreign body extraction using flexible bronchoscopy in adult patients. Methods We conducted a retrospective study from January 2018 to August 2019 in the bronchoscopy suite of our institute's Department of Pulmonary Medicine. This study centered on the total bronchoscopies performed, the cases where foreign bodies were visualized, the location of these bodies, the techniques used for their retrieval, and the associated complications. Results In this retrospective analysis of 510 bronchoscopic procedures, 7.6% (n = 39) were conducted for the suspicion of foreign body aspiration. Foreign bodies were detected in 2.1% (n = 11) of these cases. The mean age of the patients was 44.27 ± 17.3 years, with 63.6% (n = 7) being male. Organically derived materials constituted the majority of the retrieved foreign bodies, accounting for 91% (n = 10) of cases. Flexible bronchoscopy facilitated the successful extraction of foreign bodies in 72.7% (n = 8) of these instances, albeit with some complications noted during the procedures. Conclusions Diagnosis and management of airway foreign body aspiration in adults demand keen vigilance. Flexible bronchoscopy has showcased its effectiveness in foreign body extraction, highlighting its role as a primary intervention tool. Typically, a combination of extraction tools is utilized to remove airway foreign bodies.