What is Foreign Body Removal ?

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Why do you need Foreign Body Removal ?

Foreign body removal is indicated for:

  • Ear:
    • Objects like beads, insects, or cotton (common in children aged 1–5).
    • Symptoms: Pain, hearing loss, or discharge.
  • Nose:
    • Items like peas, buttons, or small toys.
    • Symptoms: Nasal discharge (often foul-smelling), obstruction, or bleeding.
  • Throat/Airway:
    • Food (e.g., fishbone), coins, or small toys (esp. in children).
    • Symptoms: Drooling, difficulty swallowing, choking, or breathing issues.
  • Esophagus:
    • Objects like coins, batteries, or sharp items (e.g., pins).
    • Symptoms: Pain, vomiting, or refusal to eat.
  • Emergency cases:
    • Batteries/sharp objects (risk of perforation, chemical burns); airway obstruction (life-threatening).

The procedure aims to safely remove the foreign body, prevent complications (e.g., infection, perforation), and restore normal function.

Why Do Foreign Body Removal Costs Vary in Philippines?

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Foreign Body Removal Procedure

  • Before Procedure Evaluation:
    • Diagnosis:
      • Physical exam: Otoscopy (ear), rhinoscopy (nose), or throat exam to locate the object.
      • X-ray/CT: For airway, esophagus, or deep objects (e.g., coins, batteries).
      • Pulse oximetry: If airway involvement suspected.
    • Consent: Risks, including bleeding, are explained.
    • Sedation/Anesthesia: Often needed for children or complex cases.
  • Procedure Techniques:
    • Foreign Body Removal:
      • Ear:
        • Performed in clinic or under sedation (children), lasting 5–15 minutes.
        • Tools: Forceps, suction, or irrigation (for non-sharp objects); microscope for precision.
        • Insects: Killed with oil (e.g., mineral oil) before removal.
      • Nose:
        • Performed in clinic or under sedation, lasting 5–15 minutes.
        • Tools: Forceps, hook, or suction; positive pressure (parent blows into child’s mouth while occluding other nostril) for cooperative children.
      • Throat/Airway:
        • Emergency: Performed under general anesthesia, lasting 15–30 minutes.
        • Rigid bronchoscopy: Scope inserted through the mouth to retrieve the object.
      • Esophagus:
        • Performed under general anesthesia, lasting 15–45 minutes.
        • Esophagoscopy: Flexible or rigid scope removes the object; urgent for batteries/sharp objects.
    • Intraoperative Tools:
      • Otoscope/rhinoscope: Visualizes ear/nose.
      • Bronchoscope/esophagoscope: Accesses airway/esophagus.
      • Forceps/graspers: Extracts the object.
  • After Procedure:
    • Observation: 1–2 hours (clinic); 1 day (if general anesthesia used).
    • Care: Ear/nose drops (e.g., antibiotic drops) if irritation or minor trauma; soft diet if esophagus involved.
    • Pain management: Mild discomfort for 1–2 days; managed with acetaminophen.
    • Instructions: Avoid inserting objects; monitor for infection or breathing issues.

Recovery After Foreign Body Removal

  1. Observation: 1–2 hours (clinic); 1 day (if general anesthesia).
  2. Post-Procedure Care:
    • Discomfort: Mild pain or irritation for 1–2 days (ear/nose); throat soreness for 2–3 days (esophagus/airway).
    • Ear/Nose: Antibiotic drops for 3–5 days if minor trauma; avoid water in ear for 1 week.
    • Esophagus/Airway: Soft diet for 2–3 days; monitor for swallowing or breathing issues.
    • Activity: Normal activities resume immediately (ear/nose); rest for 1–2 days (esophagus/airway).
  3. Follow-Up:
    • Visit at 1 week to check for infection or residual issues (e.g., ear drum perforation).
    • Hearing test (if ear involved): At 1 month if hearing loss persists.

Most resume normal activities within 1–3 days; full recovery takes 3–7 days. Success rate: 95–98% achieve safe removal without complications; outcomes vary if delays cause damage (e.g., perforation).

Risks and Complications

  • Procedure Risks:
    • Bleeding (1–3%): Minor bleeding common (nose/ear); severe bleeding rare, may need cauterization.
    • Infection (1–2%): Treated with antibiotics; rare with proper care.
    • Tissue damage (1–2%): Ear drum perforation, nasal mucosa injury, or esophageal tear; may need repair.
  • Post-Procedure:
    • Retained fragment (<1%): Part of object left behind; needs repeat procedure.
    • Airway obstruction (<1%, emergency cases): If object dislodged during removal; managed with emergency bronchoscopy.
    • Perforation (<1%, esophagus): Batteries/sharp objects; may need surgical repair.
    • Anesthesia risks (<1%): Reaction to sedation; rare in healthy patients.
  • Long-Term:
    • Scarring (1–2%): Nasal or esophageal narrowing (rare); may need dilation.

Report fever, severe pain, breathing difficulty, or persistent bleeding promptly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What objects commonly cause foreign body issues?

Ear: Beads, insects; Nose: Toys, food; Throat/Esophagus: Coins, batteries, fishbones.

Can I avoid foreign body removal surgery?

No, if symptomatic or dangerous (e.g., batteries, airway obstruction); urgent removal prevents complications.

Is foreign body removal painful?

Mild discomfort during clinic removal; under anesthesia, no pain during procedure; mild soreness post-op for 1–2 days.

How soon can my child resume activities?

Ear/Nose: Immediately; Esophagus/Airway: 1–3 days; full recovery in 3–7 days.

Is foreign body removal covered by insurance in India?

Yes, for emergencies; confirm with your provider.

Signs of complications?

Fever, severe pain, breathing difficulty, or persistent bleeding.

Can foreign bodies cause permanent damage?

Rarely; delays with batteries or sharp objects may cause perforation or infection; prompt removal minimizes risk.

Lifestyle changes post-procedure?

Supervise children to prevent recurrence, avoid small objects, and monitor for symptoms of infection or obstruction.

Conclusion

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Looking for Best Hospitals for Foreign Body Removal

Note: we are not promoting any hospitals

We do not promote any hospitals. All details are sourced from Google and hospital websites. Please verify independently. Start with your surgery—here’s the list of government, budget, and superspecialty hospitals accredited by the Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and Joint Commission International (JCI)

  • click on your city and schedule your surgery now done in good hands.
City Minimum Price (₱) Maximum Price (₱)
Angeles City
Antipolo
Bacolod
Bacoor
Baguio
Butuan
Cagayan de Oro
Caloocan
Cebu City
Dasmariñas
Davao City
General Santos
General Trias
Iligan
Iloilo City
Las Piñas
Makati
Malolos
Manila
Muntinlupa
Parañaque
Pasay
Pasig
Puerto Princesa
Quezon City
San Fernando
San Jose del Monte
Taguig
Valenzuela
Zamboanga City

Disclaimer

This information is sourced from open platforms and is for general awareness only. Costs may vary based on individual cases. Please consult a qualified doctor for medical advice and explore options within your budget before deciding on the procedure.

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