Successful Removal of a Boiled Soybean Using Flexible Bronchoscopy

Background: In developed countries, the number of patients experiencing aspiration for foreign bodies is increasing due to the aging population. Most cases are managed with flexible bronchoscopy; however, training is challenging for many bronchoscopists because of the limited number of available facilities and the few opportunities to perform the procedure. Case Presentation: An 87-year-old patient with a history of pulmonary non-tuberculous mycobacteria was admitted to our hospital for bacterial pneumonia. The day after admission, the patient reported aspirating a boiled soybean during breakfast. A chest computed tomography revealed an oval shadow, approximately 10 mm in size, in the bronchus of the right lower lobe, suspected to be the aspirated soybean. Using a flexible bronchoscope, we successfully removed the boiled soybean with a brush, curettage, and basket forceps without complications. Conclusions: There is no standardized method for removing foreign bodies; the procedure should be adapted according to the type of foreign body, the site of obstruction, cost, and the medical resources available in the hospital.