"Chronic bronchial foreign body managed by lobectomy and latissimus dorsi flap: case report"

Introduction and importance: Foreign body aspiration is a common occurrence, with severe outcomes seen in all age groups. It can present like any chronic respiratory disease with a wide spectrum of misleading symptoms, resulting in misdiagnosis and delays in appropriate treatment.

Case presentation: Here we present a case of a 11 year boy diagnosed with occult foreign body aspiration, chronically impacted in the left secondary bronchus, presented with bronchiectasis and multiple failed attempts at bronchoscopic retrieval.

Clinical discussion: Surgically managed by a left lower lobe lobectomy via a mini thoracotomy, reinforced with a pedicled latissimus dorsi flap. Upfront surgery will reduce the bronchoscopic morbidity incurred in repeated attempts needing pot-op ventilatory support due to edema and repeated general anaesthesia risks.

Conclusion: A high degree of suspicion is a key to diagnosis. There should be a low threshold for surgical management in chronic impactions.