Management of aural foreign body: an evaluative study in 738 consecutive cases

ObjectiveForeign body in aural canal is a common ENT (ears, nose, and throat) emergency, although not always managed by an otolaryngologist. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment of this emergent problem by medical personnel other than otolaryngologist.Materials and methodA retrospective study in 738 consecutive cases with an internal control group was carried out at the Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, New Delhi, India, and the Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India, over a period of 2 years each. The methodology of removal and complications were tabulated and statistically analyzed using χ2.ResultA complication rate of 77% and general anesthesia (GA) induction for removal in 10% of cases was seen in patients treated by other health care personnel, whereas a minimum complication rate of 19.5% and a GA induction in only 3.5% of cases were recorded in patients managed by otolaryngologist.ConclusionThe collected data, when put to statistical examination, clearly indicate that patients manipulated by medical personnel other than ENT surgeon have a much higher chance of complication and GA induction for removal of foreign body. This underlines the importance of strict otolaryngologist management in all cases.