Turban Pin Aspirations in Children in Eastern Anatolia

Abstract

Objectives: This study aims to display the increase in turban pin aspirations noticed in the last years and to discuss the clinical characteristics and results of turban pin aspirations in children. Methods: A retrospective study was done to asses data about turban pin aspirations in 21 female children aged below 18 between 2004-2009. Data about patient story, age, educational level, admission interval, physical examination results, radiological images, foreign body localization, treatment methods, morbidity and mortality were evaluated. Results: Mean age was 13.47 +/- 2.52 years. Eleven (52.4%) girls were aged between 12-15 years. We used rigid bronchoscopy in 15 (71.4%) cases, thoracotomy in three (14.3%) cases, laryngoscopy in one (4.8%) cases and fiber-optic bronchoscopy in two (9.6%) case for the removal of the needles. Turban pins were located in the right bronchial tree in 12 (57.1%), in the left bronchial tree in three (14.3%), in the trachea in five (23.8%) cases and in the larynx in one (4.8%) case. Eight (38.1%) cases lived in a rural area and 13 (61.9%) were urban. Conclusion: We recommend safer methods such as the use of adhesive tapes and snap fasteners and to avoid holding the needles with the lips for those that are not accepting unveiling.