Standard of care in most pediatric centers; performed under general anesthesia to visualize and remove FB. Gold standard for both diagnosis and treatment

Flexible scope used for diagnosis and sometimes removal (especially in distal airways or when FB is small). Evaluate if less invasive flexible bronchoscopy can be effective.

Initial flexible bronchoscopy for diagnosis and airway inspection, followed by rigid bronchoscopy for removal if needed. Compare efficiency and safety of combined method.

High-resolution CT or virtual bronchoscopy first; bronchoscopy only if imaging suggests FB. Assess if imaging can reduce unnecessary bronchoscopies.

Participants will undergo rigid bronchoscopy under general anesthesia using an age-appropriate rigid bronchoscope. The airway will be systematically inspected. Any identified foreign body will be removed using appropriate retrieval devices (optical forceps, retrieval basket, suction). Post-removal, the airway will be re-examined to confirm clearance and detect trauma.

The proportion of patients in whom the foreign body is completely removed during the initial bronchoscopy procedure, as confirmed by direct visualization and/or post-procedure imaging.

Number of patients who experience complications such as hypoxia (SpO₂ < 90%), bleeding, airway trauma, pneumothorax, or cardiac arrhythmia.