Audit of Otologic Foreign Bodies Seen at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH), Bauchi, North-East, Nigeria

Background: Foreign bodies (FBs) in the ear are common emergency presentation in ear, nose and throat clinics. They occur in all age groups but are commoner in children and the mentally retarded. Whereas children tend to explore their orifices out of curiosity, adults experience it accidentally. The aim of this study was to audit the Otologic FBs, treatment protocol and complications at the ATBUTH, Bauchi, where most of these cases were managed by ear, nose and throat nurses.

Materials and Methods: Three year retrospective data comprising biodata, presenting complaint, duration of presentation, type of foreign body, ear(s) involved, mode of extraction, attending medical personnel and complication were obtained from the medical records of the patients. These data were analyzed in simple descriptive form using Excel 2010.

Results: There were 257 patients with FBs in their ears comprising 146 males and 111 females, aged 1 year to 70 years. 160(62.3%) were 10 years and below. The complaint of FB lodgment by individuals/caregivers was 49%, pain 23%, impaired hearing 18% and ear discharge 10%. 143 cases presented within 24hours, 79 within 48 hours and 35 beyond 48 hours. Seed grains accounted for 69 (26.9%), insects/cockroaches 52(20.2%), beads 46(17.9%), stones/pebbles 39(15.2%), and cotton buds 35(13.6%), plastic materials 10(3.9%) and papers 6(2.3%). Treatment using water irrigation accounted for 65% while manual instrumentation was 35%. Complications were seen in 61(23.7%) cases.

Conclusion: Otologic FBs still remain a significant presentation in ENT Units. Knowledge and skill to their proper management are keys to minimizing complications. Due to the limitations of other health care givers in these regard, it is recommended that every Centre with high volume of patients should engage the services of otolaryngologist to avoid complications.