Chest
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Comparative Study
The use of a new ultra-thin fiberoptic bronchoscope to determine endotracheal tube position in the sick newborn infant.
The various techniques available for determining endotracheal tube position after intubation of a newborn are auscultation of the chest, observation of distance rings on the endotracheal tube, and chest radiology. Radiology is considered to be the most reliable method. ⋯ Adverse changes in transcutaneous PO2 were observed during both procedures but were more marked during radiology than bronchoscopy. We conclude that the bronchoscopic technique of determining endotracheal tube position is both as safe and as accurate as radiologic technique.
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Esophageal foreign bodies rarely cause respiratory distress in adults. While it is well known that upper airway obstruction can occur with esophageal foreign bodies in children, the otorlaryngologic literature mentions little of this problem in older patients. ⋯ The possibility of an unsuspected esophageal foreign body should be kept in mind during the evaluation of respiratory distress in an adult, especially in one who is a poor historian or has a history of a psychiatric disorder. Early endoscopic removal in the treatment of choice, although esophagotomy may be required.