Retrospective Study on Foreign Bodies in Aerodigestive Tract in Government Ent Hospital

Abstract

AIM AND OBJECTIVE:The main aim of this study was to assess the common sites, modes of presentation and quality and nature of different foreign bodies (FB) in Aerodigestive tract. MATERIALS AND METHODS:This retrospective study of FB in Aerodigestive tract was carried out in Government ENT hospital, Andhra medical college, Visakhapatnam. The period of study was for 2 years and the study population included patients presenting with FB in the out-patient department or in the emergency. Study population was 121 in number which included patients with foreign bodies both in air passage and food passage. Out of the 121 patients, 71 were found to be foreign bodies within air passage, while 50 had them in their food passage. Nose was observed to be the commonest site among the patients with FB in their air passage, while hypopharynx was the most common location in food passage. These patients were further analysed based on the type of foreign body lodged and according to the age groups of patients.