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. 2008 Jan-Feb;74(1):7-15.
doi: 10.1016/s1808-8694(15)30744-8.

Complications of ent foreign bodies: a retrospective study

Ricardo Rodrigues Figueiredo  1 , Andréia Aparecida de Azevedo, Arthur Octavio de Avila Kós, Shiro Tomita
Affiliations

Complications of ent foreign bodies: a retrospective study

Ricardo Rodrigues Figueiredo et al. Braz J Otorhinolaryngol. 2008 Jan-Feb.

Abstract

Foreign bodies are one of the most common ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat) urgencies. Serious complications may occur, like tympanic perforations and bronchoaspiration, but they are uncommon.

Aim: To analyze a 1356 foreign body series and establish causes for the complications, looking at prevention.

Materials and methods: 1356 patients with ear, nose and throat foreign bodies from the ENT Department of Souza Aguiar Hospital, in Rio de Janeiro, between 1992 and 2000, were analyzed in a retrospective study for parameters like age, gender, type and localization of the foreign body, time span between introduction and removal of the foreign body and complications.

Results: The most common foreign bodies were beans and the most frequent age was between 1 and 4 years old. Ear foreign bodies were the most common, followed by nasal foreign bodies. Complications were statistically related to time, childs age and practical experience of the physician.

Conclusion: Most of the situations related to ENT foreign bodies are avoidable. Improvements in Public Health Assistance and otolaryngologists training are essential to avoid serious complications.

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Figures

Chart 1
Chart 1
Distribution by age range
Chart 2
Chart 2
FB types
Chart 3
Chart 3
Live FB
Chart 4
Chart 4
Complications
Chart 5
Chart 5
Time span between FB introduction and removal
Figure 1
Figure 1
Tympanic perforation by a foreign body (bamboo fragment).
Figure 2
Figure 2
External auditory canal skin laceration.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Foreign body associated otomycosis (cotton fragment).
Figure 4
Figure 4
Perichondritis secondary to myiasis.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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