Complications of tracheobronchial foreign body aspiration in children: report of 5 cases and review of the literature

Authors

  • Cláudio Flauzino de Oliveira University of São Paulo; Faculty of Medicine; Hospital das Clínicas; Pediatric Intensive Care Unit of the Childrens Institute
  • João Fernando Lourenço de Almeida University of São Paulo; Faculty of Medicine; Hospital das Clínicas; Pediatric Intensive Care Unit of the Childrens Institute
  • Eduardo Juan Troster University of São Paulo; Faculty of Medicine; Hospital das Clínicas; Pediatric Intensive Care Unit of the Childrens Institute
  • Flavio Adolfo Costa Vaz University of São Paulo; Faculty of Medicine; Hospital das Clínicas; Pediatric Intensive Care Unit of the Childrens Institute

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1590/S0041-87812002000300005

Keywords:

Aspiration, Foreign body, Bronchoscopy, Complications

Abstract

Foreign body aspiration (FBA) is one of leading causes of death in children, especially among those younger than 3 years of age. The inhalation of a foreign body may cause a wide variety of symptoms, and early diagnosis is highly associated with the successful removal of the inhaled foreign material. Despite the great advances in endoscopic procedures and anesthesia, a large number of difficulties and complications still result from foreign body aspiration. We describe 5 cases of serious acute complications following aspiration of foreign bodies that became lodged in the tracheobronchial tree, including pneumomediastinum, pneumothorax, total atelectasis, foreign body dislodgment, and need for thoracotomy in children admitted into our intensive care unit in 1999 and 2000; these were all situations that could have been prevented with early recognition and prompt therapeutic intervention.

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Published

2002-06-01

Issue

Section

Case Reports

How to Cite

Complications of tracheobronchial foreign body aspiration in children: report of 5 cases and review of the literature . (2002). Revista Do Hospital Das Clínicas, 57(3), 108-111. https://doi.org/10.1590/S0041-87812002000300005