Evaluation of Ear, Nose and Throat Foreign Bodies in AlRamadi Teaching Hospital

Abstract

Introduction: Foreign bodies in ear, nose, and throat (ENT) are common problems presenting to Otolaryngology clinics and emergency units. Children are mostly affected by ENT foreign bodies.
Objectives: To evaluate the socio-demographic and clinical aspects of patients with ENT foreign bodies visiting Al-Ramadi Teaching Hospital.
Patients and Methods: This cross-sectional study carried out in the Al-Ramadi Teaching Hospital during the year 2019. All patients came to the emergency department and the Otolaryngology clinic in the hospital with foreign bodies in ENT were enrolled in the study. Demographic and clinical data of the patients were analyzed.
Results: In 196 patients, there were 197 ENT foreign bodies. Their age ranged from 2-74 years with a mean of 15.17 years±17.17. The age group 5-10 years was encountered in 72.4% with a slight predominance in females 51.5%. The nose was the commonest site in 45.2%, followed by ear 43.1% and the least throat 11.7%. Most foreign bodies were unilateral (right 108, and left side 87). The majority of them presented within the first 24 hours of their impaction and their removal needed no anesthesia with few complications. The plastic ball was the commonest type of 28.9%. The Jobson Horn probe was the most instruments used in removing 40.1% of foreign bodies.
Conclusion: ENT foreign bodies were more common in children. The nose and ear were the commonly involved sites. Spherical foreign bodies were the commonest type.