EVALUATION AND MANAGEMENT OF THE CLINICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF EXTERNAL AUDITORY CANAL FOREIGN BODIES IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS
*Abdul Wahhab Mohsin Ahmed
ABSTRACT
Foreign bodies (FBs) in external auditory canal (EAC) can occur at any age but are especially common in children and adolescents. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical characteristics of EAC FBs in children and adolescents and to discuss their proper management. This retrospective medical chart review was performed on patients who were treated for EAC FBs in Haditha general hospital from January 2009 to December 2019. The parameters of age, sex, type of FB, sedation method, complications and removal strategy were investigated. Results in the current study showed that of 200 patients, 120 (60.0%) were males. Peak incidences were noted at the ages of 3 to 6 years and 17 to 18 years. The frequently observed FBs were insects, followed by air-gun pellets, cotton balls, marbles, and earrings. Removal of 36 (18.0%) EAC FBs was performed by the naked eye, while 164 (82.0%) were removed under microscope in the otolaryngology department. Of these patients, 16 (8.0%) were administered sedatives and 8 (4.0%) needed general anesthesia. During or after the removal procedure, patients had complications of EAC abrasion or laceration 36 (18.0%), and tympanic membrane perforation 2 (1.0%). It can be concluded from this study that external auditory canal FB showed a distinct characteristic of incidence regarding age, related to removal strategies, and that characteristics of FB must be considered for safe removal.
Keywords: Foreign bodies, External auditory canal, Children, Adolescents.
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