Bronchoscopy

The respiratory team agree that a bronchoscopy would be useful to investigate the possibility of an inhaled foreign body.

Jack is admitted to the ward and fasted. After a few hours he is taken to theatre and bronchoscopy identifies a small plastic toy (Lego®) that is stuck in his right main bronchus. This is removed and when he is woken up from his anaesthetic, his breathing is markedly better.

You go to see him in the ward afterwards. Even though he has only recently woken up from the anaesthetic, he is already eating toast and playing with a rattle.

Jack’s parents thank you for your skilled assessment.