ABSTRACT
Objectives: To determine the patient management factors and patient outcomes in pediatric patients of foreign bodies in nose.
Material and Methods: This descriptive study was performed in ENT Department, Khyber Teaching Hospital, Peshawar from February, 2006 to January, 2007. 257 cases of foreign bodies in nose were included, upto 12 years of age. Personal data, clinical features, investigations, management details and complications were recorded on a pre-designed proforma. In younger non cooperative cases foreign bodies were removed under general anesthesia. While in cooperative children it was removed without anesthesia by using suction, use of forceps and foreign body hook.
Results: Among 257 cases of foreign bodies in nose 48.46% were between 4 to 8 years, with male preponderance i.e. 63%. Unilateral and bilateral presentations were seen in 95% and 5% cases respectively. Most common foreign body types were plastic beads, pearls, pieces of sponge and small round objects. There were 2 cases of alkaline battery lodged in the nose. General anesthesia had high success
rate.
Conclusion: Round shape foreign bodies and younger children are associated with poor outcome with removal attempts made under direct visualization. These cases should be referred directly to otolaryngologists for removal under general anesthesia. Moreover the problem is common in children indicating poor parenting and social factors as contributory factors.
Key words: Nose, foreign body, pediatric, general anesthesia