Utility of Fiberoptic Bronchoscopy for Retrieval of Aspirated Headscarf Pins

<i>Background:</i> Headscarf pin aspiration is a common and unique form of foreign body aspiration among young Moslem women. Rigid bronchoscopy (RB) is considered the standard procedure for retrieval. There are little data on the role of flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy (FOB) in the retrieval of aspirated headscarf pins. <i>Objectives:</i> The aim of this study is to prospectively evaluate the utility of FOB for the retrieval of aspirated headscarf pins. <i>Methods:</i> Patients with the diagnosis of headscarf pin aspiration admitted to King Abdullah University Hospital from December 2002 to December 2005 were included in the study. Standard FOB procedure under local anesthesia and conscious sedation was performed as the primary tool for retrieval. <i>Results:</i> A total of 16 cases was admitted during the study period. The mean age was 19 years. The aspirated pin was successfully retrieved in 9/16 cases (56%) during the first attempt of FOB. In another 3 cases, although the pin was successfully retrieved from the bronchial tree, it was lost in the throat and swallowed, and then recovered by esophagogastroduodenoscopy. However, FOB was not successful in 4/16 cases. In 3 cases, the aspirated pins were successfully retrieved by RB under general anesthesia and the fourth case required thoracotomy. <i>Conclusions:</i> Headscarf pin aspiration is a relatively common form of foreign body aspiration among young Moslem Jordanian women. FOB under local anesthesia can be a useful first-step tool in retrieval, provided facilities for esophagogastroduodenoscopy and RB are readily available.