International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology Extra
Volume 6, Issue 1 , Pages 1-4, January 2011

Managing oropharyngeal penetrating metallic foreign body into parapharyngeal space in a child: A case report

Department of Otolarngology and Head & Neck Surgery, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh 160012, India

Received 2 October 2009; received in revised form 6 November 2009; accepted 9 November 2009. published online 07 December 2009.

Abstract 

Oropharyngeal foreign bodies penetrating into parapharyngeal space of neck are rare and may cause extensive neurovascular injuries and their management tests the skills of both surgeon and anesthetist. In this article we report a child who presented with impacted metallic foreign body penetrating the oropharynx and entering into the parapharyngeal space of neck after causing injury to lower incisors and canine teeth and fracturing mandible. The difficulties encountered during intubation and precautions taken are discussed. Exploration of the wound using cervical transpharyngeal approach resulted in uneventful extraction of metallic foreign body with no neurological sequel and morbidity.

Keywords: Penetrating oropharyngeal foreign body, Airway management, Cervical transpharyngeal approach

 

PII: S1871-4048(09)00065-3

doi:10.1016/j.pedex.2009.11.002

International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology Extra
Volume 6, Issue 1 , Pages 1-4, January 2011