Abstract
We retrospectively reviewed 47 patients (median age : 21 months) who underwent foreign body removal from 1995 to 2009 at our institution. The most common foreign bodies were nuts and plastic items. Coughing and wheezing were present in 34% and abnormal chest x-ray findings were detected in 28%. Flexible fiberoptic laryngoscopy was performed in all patients before the induction of general anesthesia. Anesthesia was induced by sevoflurane inhalation (62%) or by intravenous administration of thiamylal (38%), and maintained using sevoflurane without spontaneous breathing. A neuromuscular blocking agent was administered in 53% of patients. Desaturation below 95% of SpO2 occurred in 26% cases, and temporary assisted ventilation was required. No other adverse events occurred. Understanding the advantages and disadvantages of anesthetic techniques utilized for foreign body removal in children will lead to a safer and better outcome.
