The outcome and complication of endoscopic removal of pediatric ear foreign body.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the outcome and complications of endoscopic removal of pediatric ear foreign bodies (FBs).

METHODS

This study was a retrospective chart review of pediatric and adult patients who presented for ear FB removal over a 5-year period.

RESULTS

In 191 children with ear FBs, 105 (55.0%) of the FBs were in contact with or close to the tympanic membrane (TM). The FB was removed using direct suction with a sucker in 172 (90.1%), a right-angle hook alone in 13 (6.8%), and alligator forceps alone in 6 (3.1%). In total, 34 (17.8%, 34/191) complications were reported; they included complications from the FB itself in 2 (5.9%), from prior attempts at removal by non-specialist otologists in 29 (85.3%), and from attempts by the authors in 3 (8.8%). The complication rate for non-specialist otologists using headlights was significantly higher than that for specialist otologists using endoscopes (29/82, 35.4% vs 3/109, 2.8%, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Most pediatric ear FBs are small and in contact with the TM. The use of an endoscope to assist with foreign body removal may be both safe and effective for pediatric ear FBs.