Advantages and disadvantages of removal techniques
| Technique | Orifice | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| *FB = foreign body. | |||
| Irrigation | Ear | Ease of use | Contraindicated in tympanic perforation and for vegetable matter |
| Positive pressure | Nose | Non-traumatic | Risk of barotrauma |
| Negative pressure | Both | Ease of use | Need solid seal |
| Anterior FBs | Posterior FBs difficult | ||
| Good for small, round FBs | May frighten children | ||
| Glue | Both | Ease of use | FB must be visualised |
| Non-traumatic | Adhesion of glue to patient | ||
| Catheter techniques | Nose/ both | Good for awkward and posteriorly placed FBs | Cost and availability of catheter |
| Possible trauma | |||
| Needs good anaesthesia | |||
| Impression materials | Ear | Ease of use | Cost and availability |
| Contraindicated in perforation | |||
| Surgical instruments | Both | Availability | Trauma with metal objects |
| Posterior displacement of FBs | |||
| Manufactured instruments | Both | Instrument can be designed to fit the shape of the FB | Trauma |
| Posterior displacement of FBs | |||