Foreign Bodies in the Aerodigestive Tract: A Decade of Experience in a Tertiary Institution in North Central Nigeria

Foreign bodies in otorhinolaryngology are relatively common in our environment and are a significant source of morbidity and sometimes mortality. The incidence demographics, clinical presentation and management outcome in University of Abuja teaching Hospital Gwagwalada Abuja were descirbed and preventive measures recommended. A ten year retrospective review of all patients with foreign body in the aerodigestive tract managed between january 2013 and December 2022 was done. One hundred and two patients were seen with a male to female ratio of 2:1 and median age of 6. Foreign body was ingested in 57(55.9%) and aspirated in 45( 44.1%). Dentures were the most common foreign body found in 23 (22.5%) followed by plastic bead 13( 12.7%) thirdly button battery in 9 ( 8.8%) and fourthly groundnut in 8(7.8%) Ingested foreign bodies were located in the cervical esophagus, hypopharynx, mid thoracic, upper and lower thoracic esophagus, vallecullae and left tonsil in order of frequency. Aspirated foreign bodies were found in the right bronchus, left bronchus, both right and left bronchus, nasopharynx, trachea and nasal cavity. The mortality rate was 1.9%. Foreign bodies can be found in all ages and are largely preventable with education on the safe use of dentures, adequate caregiver attention to infants toddlers and preschoolers and the provision of a safe environment. We also advocate legislation and adherence to safety standards