OBJECTIVETo review the clinical features and the treatment of segmental bronchi foreign bodies cases.

METHODSRigid bronchoscope and endoscope were applied to all 8 cases under general anesthesia. The foreign bodies shape and position were well evaluated under direct view, and the metal ones were located with X ray.

RESULTSGenerally, the foreign bodies in segmental bronchi are small size and have a long history, the symptoms are non typical and may be accompanied with recurrent lung infection and haemoptysis. The foreign bodies were successfully removed in 6 patients with bronchoscopy, and the foreign bodies in other 2 cases were removed with thoracotomy. No complications occurred in all cases.

CONCLUSIONSFor the segmental bronchi foreign body cases, the non typical history should be well reviewed and a detailed investigation should he performed. Suitable surgical instruments should be well selected so to get higher success rate and effectively prevent potential compilations.