Anesthetic management in a 1-year-old child undergoing removal of a large metal tracheobronchial foreign body.

INTRODUCTION

Pediatric tracheobronchial foreign body aspiration can be a life-threatening emergency, especially in young children because of their decreased respiratory reserve and smaller-diameter airways.

CASE PRESENTATION: We herein present a case in which a 1-year-old female child aspirated a 9-cm long metal chain into the lower trachea and right main bronchus. The chain was removed via low tracheotomy and rigid bronchoscopy under general anesthesia. An intravenous anesthetic alone with a muscle relaxant was used to ensure an immobile airway during surgery instead of the more commonly used inhalation anesthetics with spontaneous ventilation.

CONCLUSION

The case re-affirms that the removal of some large and irregular airway foreign bodies is a challenging procedure that requires a proper anesthetic plan and coordination with surgeons.