Use of Flexible Ureteroscope for Extraction of Airway Foreign Body in Children: A Series of Three Cases

Foreign body aspiration is a frequent cause of acute respiratory distress in children. It can be a life-threatening event requiring prompt intervention. Rigid bronchoscopes are generally used for the extraction of airway foreign bodies. In the recent past, flexible bronchoscopes have also been used for the same. However, rigid or flexible bronchoscopes, especially with smaller diameters, may not be available at all centres. Therefore, it is imperative to look for other safe and effective alternatives for the management of foreign body aspiration in the paediatric population. Herein, we describe three cases of foreign body aspiration in children (less than 2 years of age) that were managed using a flexible ureteroscope under general anaesthesia and had a successful outcome. A flexible ureteroscope is a safe and effective alternative to smaller-sized paediatric bronchoscopes for extracting airway foreign bodies in children under experienced hands and in resource-limited settings.