A choking baby is the worst nightmare for parents. KUTRRH medics have successfully performed their first interventional bronchoscopy on a three-year-old patient who presented with a foreign body in the bronchus, a real emergency where every second counts. This came only days after their first diagnostic bronchoscopy. The foreign body was in the right main bronchus and successfully removed via rigid bronchoscopy.
Learn more about our Paediatric Unit
Also Read Breaking new ground in pediatric care.
Pediatric rigid bronchoscopy is a vital procedure for monitoring and managing airway health, especially following incidents like button battery ingestion. Button batteries pose significant risks to children due to their potential to cause rapid and severe tissue damage from electrical discharge and corrosive leakage. Immediate medical intervention prevents serious complications such as perforation, stricture formation, or infection. Rigid bronchoscopy involves using a firm bronchoscope equipped with a camera to visualize and directly access the trachea and bronchi. This procedure is preferred in urgent situations because it provides a stable and precise intervention platform.
During surveillance after button battery ingestion, rigid bronchoscopy allows healthcare providers to assess the extent of injury, monitor healing, and ensure no residual foreign material remains.
The advantages of pediatric rigid bronchoscopy include its ability to offer clear, direct access to the airways, facilitating thorough evaluation and treatment. This minimally invasive approach reduces the need for open surgery, promotes quicker recovery times, and minimizes further trauma to the airway tissues. By promptly addressing and managing the complications of button battery ingestion, this procedure significantly enhances the quality of care for young patients.
Advancements in bronchoscopy technology, such as high-definition imaging and improved bronchoscope designs, have further increased the safety and effectiveness of this procedure. As pediatric rigid bronchoscopy continues to evolve, it remains an essential tool in safeguarding children’s health following hazardous ingestions, ensuring their swift recovery and long-term well-being.
This groundbreaking procedure was a team effort involving Dr. Abdi Noor, who swiftly identified the problem in the casualty and arranged for the necessary investigations. Nurse Eddy Munene assisted the theatre nurses, Caroline Muindi and Angeline Wanjiku, in setting up the equipment. Dr. Anthony Mulu expertly guided Dr. Sheila through the challenging anesthesia process, while Dr Ian Macharia performed the rigid bronchoscopy and removed the foreign body skillfully.