Abstract:Abstract:ObjectiveTo analyze the characteristics of tracheobronchial foreign body in children in the Tibetan plateau region and investigate suitable diagnosis and treatment method for this disease at high altitude areas so as to improve therapeutic effect and safety and reduce mortality rate.MethodsClinical data of 25 children suffering from tracheobronchial foreign body were analyzed retrospectively. All the patients were treated in the General Hospital of the Tibet Military Region during Jan 2008 to May 2012. The analyzed data included the treatment methods and outcomes. The suitable diagnosis and treatment methods for tracheobronchial foreign body in children in the high altitude Tibetan plateau region were summarized.ResultsGeneral anesthesia plus surface division anesthesia were performed to all the 25 patients. Rigid bronchoscopy was applied to 12 cases and the foreign body was successfully removed in 10, 2 cases were transferred to low altitude hospitals and got successful removal. Direct laryngoscopy was performed in 3 cases, the foreign body was removed successfully in 2, and the failed case received rigid bronchoscopy and succeeded. Fiberbronchoscopy was performed in 4 cases. Of them, removal of foreign body succeeded in one and failed in 3 including 2 death cases. Tracheotomy was carried out in 4 cases with successful removal of the foreign body. 2 cases were transferred to Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery and got successful removal of the foreign body with thoracotomy.ConclusionFast and accurate diagnosis, proper choice of feasible treatment can effectively relieve the suffering of patients, reduce complications and mortality of tracheobronchial foreign body in children at high altitude areas.