Case of Foreign Body in Right Main Bronchus of a Child

Upper airway obstruction is a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate recognition and prompt intervention. Delay in management can rapidly lead to severe respiratory compromise. Timely surgical decision-making is crucial in preventing morbidity and mortality.  

Clinical Presentation:

The patient presented to our emergency department with acute onset breathing difficulty associated with signs of upper airway obstruction (dyspnoea associated with chough and rapid, laboured breathing) for last 10 days. Initial assessment pointed toward a partial airway obstruction.  The condition was rapidly progressive, causing marked respiratory distress and necessitating emergency intervention.

Emergency Assessment:

To ensure a successful surgical outcome, our diagnostic team utilized high-resolution CT imaging. HRCT Chest was done which revealed a foreign body of size around 8 mm in the right main bronchus along with air trapping and hyperinflation seen in right lung.

Emergency Intervention:

Recognizing the urgency, our team moved the patient to our advanced surgical unit. A time critical Bronchoscopic foreign body removal procedure was planned. Using a flexible bronchoscope under GA the airway was examined and foreign body was visualized in right main bronchus. It was removed by using the fogarty catheter. Check bronchoscopy done was done to ensure the patency of the airway.

 

Post-Operative care:

Utilizing our high-end ICU setting, real-time monitoring of the patient was done. The post-operative period was uneventful.

Outcome:

The intervention resulted in immediate life-saving relief of breathing difficulty with rapid restoration of airway patency. The patient showed prompt stabilization and significant clinical improvement.

Discussion:

Airway emergencies demand fast clinical judgment and immediate action. Early recognition and prompt intervention can be lifesaving. This case highlights the importance of rapid emergency airway management in achieving immediate symptomatic relief. Thanks to our "Fast-Track" emergency surgical protocols, the patient experienced minimal pain and was safely discharged within 1 day, free from the life-threatening condition that brought him to us.