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Foreign Body Removal in Dhakuria

Foreign Body Removal

Foreign Body Removal in Dhakuria

Foreign Body Removal procedures involve certain interventions or treatments to remove foreign bodies, thus preventing complications or side effects in paediatric children. Although children of all ages, including adolescents, are prone to foreign body aspirations, most cases occur in those under the age of 3. Common risk factors include natural curiosity during the oral phase, along with crying, laughing, and playing during meals. Moreover, lack of molar teeth in children also contributes as a risk factor, decreasing their ability to chew large chunks of food to swallow. Foreign bodies are entered or found in various parts of the body, such as the eye, nose, ear, finger, skin, stomach, and many more. 

While most foreign objects pass through the digestive system without issues, others may need assistance in removing foreign substances. At Manipal Hospitals, Dhakuria, West Bengal, the Department of Paediatric and Child Care performs various interventional and surgical procedures using advanced diagnostics and technologies to remove foreign bodies from children in both in-patient and out-patient settings. This ensures a comprehensive approach as well as prioritising child safety and well-being.

FAQ's

Common symptoms that indicate your child might have ingested a foreign body include:

  • Gagging

  • Drooling

  • Vomiting blood (haematemesis) 

  • Eye irritation

  • Blocked sensation in the ear

  • Infection

  • Refusing to eat

  • Persistent cough

  • Abdominal pain or bloody stool, if lodged in the stomach or intestine

  • Rash or itching, in substances such as nickel

  • Hoarseness, stridor, blueness around the lips, unconsciousness, and difficulty speaking or speaking, if foreign substances are stuck in the throat

Foreign bodies can be swallowed out of curiosity while eating or when something gets inside the ear or nose without notice. Some of them include:

  • Foods that are large-sized, or leftover pieces that contain microorganisms

  • Insects

  • Buttons

  • Crayon pieces

  • Tissues or clays

  • Erasers

  • Particular food items such as seeds, grapes, hot dogs, and nuts, especially for children under the age of 4

  • Metal objects, such as coins, small batteries or iron nails

Based on the size and object ingested, specialists may employ various diagnostic tests to identify foreign objects and devise plans to remove them, some of which include:

  • Plain radiographs, which show metal objects such as coins, batteries, or glass objects

  • Metal detectors

  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanning, in case of large-sized objects or objects that are noticeable in radiography, and in wound foreign bodies

  • Interventional diagnostics along with treatment, such as Endoscopy

  • Rigid Bronchoscopy in case of airway obstruction

  • Other imaging scans, such as computer tomography (CT) scans and fluoroscopy

Specialists employ different procedures depending on the size of the object, the entry point, the location, and other individual factors. Some methods that specialists perform include the following:

  • Insertion of the balloon catheter, Bougie, and Endoscopic procedures in cases of obstruction in the oesophagus or stomach

  • Surgical interventions, such as Tracheostomy or Cricothyrotomy, for access to the airway

  • Instruments such as tweezers forceps, or suction machines for nose or ear obstruction

  • Magnets in case of metal objects

  • Ear irrigation is distinguished by removing earwax and other foreign materials from the ear

  • The mother’s kiss technique is characterised by holding the unaffected nostril shut and placing the mouth over your child’s mouth. A sharp exhalation is performed through the child’s mouth, which should facilitate the affected nostril to blow the object out. The technique may require multiple repetitions until the object emerges from the nostrils.

If your child is choking while eating or has ingested something curiously that is harmful, a Heimlich manoeuvre or Abdominal Thrust is a useful technique. This technique involves applying pressure to the abdomen to expel the object. The steps include: 

  • Position yourself behind the child and wrap your arms around the child’s waist.

  • Place the fist below the chest and slightly above the belly button or navel region. Make sure you make a fist with one hand.

  • Grasp the fist with the other hand and press the abdomen with a quick upward push. Repeat the technique until the object or piece comes out.

  • If your child faints begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), including rescue breaths and chest compressions.

It is necessary to seek medical attention after the procedure to look for complications.

Possible complications that can occur if a foreign body is present include:

  • Atelectasis due to airway obstruction

  • Lung abscess

  • Bronchiectasis caused by chronic infection

  • Rare occurrences of pneumomediastinum and pneumothorax

  • Oesophageal or stomach perforation

  • Aorotoenteric fistula

  • Pressure necrosis

  • Mucosal erosion

  • Decreased oral intake

  • Rarely, missed diagnosis, neurovascular or surrounding tissue damage, migration of foreign bodies and inflammation may occur, especially in wound-related foreign body removal procedures.

The requirement for anaesthesia depends on the severity of the procedure and the comfort of the child. Procedures related to wound-related foreign bodies, such as the penetration of iron nails and other dangerous objects, may require anaesthesia to numb your child’s pain. Minor removal procedures do not necessitate anaesthesia administration unless the child is anxious or uncooperative. Our specialist will give individualised instructions to you regarding your child’s post-procedure and recovery.

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