The heterodox nature of “Turban Pins” in foreign body aspiration; the central anatolian experience

Summary Objective The aim of this study is to determine the age and sex distribution and the nature of aspirated foreign bodies (FBs). We also compared Turban Pins (TP) with other FBs and discussed the extracting techniques. Methods From 1987 through 2006, 414 patients were managed and the records of the patients were retrospectively reviewed. Results Girls (56%) were influenced much more than the boys (44%). The median age was 4, however median age for girls and boys were 11 and 2, respectively. The 50% of the foreign body aspiration (FBA) were observed in the first years of life. There was also a great tendency to occur in the adolescent age group (32%), especially for girls. The most commonly aspirated foreign body was Turban pin (TP) ( n = 121) among 332 foreign bodies. FBs were successfully removed by rigid bronchoscopy in 94% of the patients. In patients who had a negative history ( n = 49), bronchoscopy was performed according to clinical suspicion, and it revealed foreign bodies in 41%. Thoracotomy was performed in eight (2.4%) patients. We had no mortality. Conclusions These cases showed us that the type and age groups of FBA varies according to cultural conditions. We found that TP aspiration has different characteristics and it deserves a special attention. Suspicion is an important indication for bronchoscopy. We prefer rigid bronchoscopy because success rate is satisfactory.