The bronchoscope is placed into the airway, and using foreign body forceps, the pointed end of the object is disengaged from the mucosa, moved distally and then removed. Pin-bending forceps may be used in certain situations. Safety pin removal is uniquely challenging, with removal endoscopically by sheathing the pointed end into the endoscope and locking the keeper outside the endoscope. Open removal by thoracotomy may be necessary in situations where the sharp object is severely embedded into the mucosa. Antibiotics typically are not prescribed since the source of infection has been removed.
Chest physiotherapy is performed after foreign body removal to help remove secretions.
Patients are discharged when fully awake and breathing comfortably without the need for supplemental oxygen. Chest radiographs are performed postoperatively if the patient's signs and symptoms persist or worsen. Pneumonia and atelectasis are the most common complications secondary to and after removal of bronchial foreign bodies. Bleeding can occur from granulation tissue surrounding the foreign body or erosion into a major vessel. Pneumothorax and pneumomediastinum can result from an airway tear.