Bronchial foreign bodies in adults

Aspiration of foreign bodies into the bronchial tree is infrequently seen in adults. We reviewed 40 such cases during an 8-year period at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung. Only six patients had underlying conditions that contributed to the aspiration of foreign bodies. A positive history of aspiration was found in 18 patients (48%). Clinical manifestations were nonspecific. Chest roentgenograms were useful in 11 of the 40 patients. Bronchoscopic findings were classified into three groups: foreign bodies in the bronchial tree without granulation tissue, foreign bodies in the bronchial tree with marked granulation tissue and foreign bodies embedded in the granulation tissue. The diagnoses and removal of foreign bodies were successful in 37 patients (92%) using grasping forceps or biopsy forceps and in one patient using basket type grasping forceps. Complications of bronchoscopy were rare and not serious. The diagnosis of occult foreign bodies is often difficult and demands a high index of suspicion. Removal of endobronchial foreign bodies is usually possible with a flexible fiberoptic bronchoscope and has a high success rate.