Report of Six Cases of Intrabronchial Foreign Body in Adults with Successful Removal by Flexible Bronchofiberscopy

Abstract

Six cases of adult intrabronchial foreign body were treated in our hospital with a flexible bronchofiberscope. The foreign bodies consisted three dental crowns, a piece of cucumber, a corn grain and a fish bone. Five of them were found in the right lung, and one in the left lung. A chest X-ray examination was useful for diagnosis in three cases, showing the radiopaque foreign bodies and infiltrating shadows. In the other two cases, chest X-ray films showed atelectasis of a lobe or a lung only and bronchofiberscopic examinations were performed for diagnosis. All foreign bodies were removed with conventional forceps with flexible bronchofiberscope. This technique is considered the first choice of treatment to remove intrabronchial foreign bodies because it is easy and not painful for the patient.