Aim: As the case number of COVID-19 has grown exponentially around the world, elective surgical operations have been reduced in many centers. However, it is obvious that bronchoscopy performed due to foreign body aspiration in children cannot be delayed. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on bronchoscopic procedures in children with suspected foreign body aspiration.

Methods: Sixty-three patients who admitted to our hospital with suspected foreign body aspiration between 1 January 2016 and 31 December 2020 were included in the study. The patients were divided into two groups according to admission date as those admitted before and after 10 March 2020, in which the first case of COVID-19 has been reported in Turkey. Patients age, gender, history, physical examination findings, thorax radiography and computed tomography findings, the time period between admission to the hospital and bronchoscopy, presence of foreign body in bronchoscopy and complications were evaluated retrospectively from medical records.

Results: The study included a total of 63 patients, of whom 48 were in group 1 and 15 in group 2. Foreign body aspiration was more commonly seen in boys in both groups. The mean age of the patients was 38.35 (±37.08) months in group 1 and 27.06 (±38.18) months in group 2. When the two groups were compared in terms of the presence of a foreign body history, physical examination findings, thorax radiography findings and post-procedural complications, no significant differences were found. The time period between admission to the hospital and bronchoscopy was 10.45 (±19.66) hours in group 1 and 35.93 (±32.53) hours in group 2. This period was significantly longer in the group 2 when compared to group 1.

Conclusion: Foreign body aspiration in children continues to occur during the COVID-19 pandemic. Bronchoscopy can be performed safely in these patients by taking necessary precautions.

Keywords: Foreign body, aspiration, children, COVID-19