부산대학교 도서관

Although rarely considered in series of lower airway foreign bodies, can cause chronic cough, hemoptysis and even death in some cases. Eighty cases of endobronchial foreign bodies, treated in 20 related centers were reviewed. The averaged age was 35.5 years, ranged from 2 months to 93 years with a peak number seen in 1∿4 years aged group and 60∿79 years old group. Clinical symptoms varied from none to severe respiratory distress, cerebral disturbance, and even death on arrival. Atelectasis of one lobe or one lung was a common sign appearing on chest X-ray in children, and normal findings or the presence of foreign body (FB) were seen in elderly patients. Concerning the type of FBs food totaled 50%, dental crowns 16%, and toys 11%. Approximately one-third of all patients visited the medical centers within an hour, while 14% of aspired FBs were detected only after 12 weeks due to patients' delay. Complication rate increased in relation to delay of visiting the medical centers and a late diagnosis. Regarding the treatment, one-half of the FBs were removed by flexible bronchoscope, with a median procedure time of 35 minutes. Ventilating bronchofiberscope was used in 19%, mostly in children. Eleven cases needed surgical resection, indicated to secondary pulmonary abscesses in 3 cases, empyema in one and hemoptysis or other morbid situations in 7 cases. Consequently, early observation and treatment by flexible bronchoscopy in cases of bronchial foreign bodies was of great value.