Bronchoscopic Removal of Bead - Anaesthetic Concerns

Highest incidence of foreign body inhalations occur between 1&3 years of age and it may be a life threatening emergency requiring immediate bronchoscopy. Anaesthesia for bronchoscopic removal of bead poses a number of challenges and requires the anaesthesiologist to be well versed with the difficulties of airway management, ventilation and anaesthesia techniques in view of the shared airway with surgeon. Bronchoscopic removal of spherical smooth beads is a great challenge because of their typical rounded shape and slippery nature. There should be a discussion between surgeon and anaesthesiologist prior to procedure to have a better outcome. All size and shape of foreign body bronchoscopic forceps should be available in the centres which undertake such procedures to ensure easy removal and to save the life.