Extraction of Aspirated Headscarf Pins with Fiberoptic Bronchoscopy

Abstract

Background: Foreign body aspiration is a common yet preventable health problem. Headscarf pin aspiration is a unique example of aspirated foreign bodies in young Muslim women usually removed using the rigid bronchoscope. However, the flexible bronchoscope is increasingly used for this purpose. This prospective study was conducted in Sulaimaniyah Teaching Hospital, Sulaimaniyah, Iraq and aimed to evaluate the usefulness of fiberoptic bronchoscope for removal of aspirated headscarf pins in view of the relevant literature. Methodology: Fifty female patients with headscarf pin aspiration were managed by fiberoptic bronchoscopy over an 8-year period (January 2008 to December 2015). The procedure was performed under local anesthesia and conscious sedation through the mouth. Results: The age ranged from 10 to 45 years with a mean of 27.5. All patients had cough, five had unilateral wheeze (10%) while haemoptysis occurred twice (4%). Fiberoptic bronchoscopy succeeded in 45 cases (90%). Rigid bronchoscopy under general anesthesia was necessary in (n = 4, 8%) while one patient (2%) required thoracotomy. Conclusion: Fiberoptic bronchoscopy is safe and effective in removal of aspirated headscarf pins and should be tried first.