High-flow Nasal Cannula in Atypical Gastrointestinal Foreign Body Removal: A Case Series

Foreign body especially larger ones poses significant anaesthetic challenges in safe and urgent removal in endoscopy. While total intravenous (IV) anaesthesia with spontaneous ventilation and monitored anaesthesia care is sufficient in most cases, endotracheal intubation is required in some. Here, we are discussing the removal of three atypical foreign bodies with high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) for oxygenation. Three foreign bodies, namely artificial denture, spoon and mobile phone were located in oesophagus and stomach and are presented here. Two of the cases involving the spoon and the mobile phone were managed using IV sedation and anaesthesia with spontaneous respiration, combined with IV dexmedetomidine and fentanyl, along with HFNC support. The third case involving the artificial denture was managed with inhalational anaesthesia, muscle relaxant and endotracheal intubation. Foreign body removal in endoscopy requires proper airway management with an interdisciplinary approach for safe, fast, feasible and smooth recovery.