Bronchial Foreign Body of Long Sojourn

Abstract

A case of bronchial foreign body which had stayed about 17 years is described in a 26-year-old man.
The patient was unaware of aspirating foreign body and was admitted because of severe hemoptysis in Aug. 1962, though foreign body had already been pointed out without extraction in the early spring of 1955. Judging from past history and sudden hemoptysis, foreign body complicated by bronchiectasis was suspected.
Foreign body, which was metalic and hooked, 1cm at the tip, was located in right lower bronchus by x-ray film.
Extraction from right lower bronchus (B⁹) was successfuly made through tracheotomic bronchoscopy after tracheotomy. Though bronchography before extraction demonstrated bronchiectasis. No unpleasant symptoms and signs were noted for six months after the operation.