[Endoscopy for exploration for foreign bodies of the lower respiratory tract of the child. Apropos of 668 cases].

From 1980 to 1984, 335 foreign bodies (FB) were extracted from lower respiratory tract of children: two-thirds were boys, 77% were under 3 years of age, 79% presented signs of penetration. The FB was mainly of alimentary origin, particularly peanuts. Radiologic imaging provided inconstant signs, atelectasis increasing in frequency with duration after inhalation.