Migration of an ingested fish bone into the paraglottic space

Abstract

Background: Ingested foreign bodies are common emergencies encountered in otolaryngology practice. The vast majority can be managed with endoscopic removal. Migration of foreign bodies into the paraglottic space is a rare event that often necessitates using a more invasive procedure for removal.

Case report: A 68-year-old man presented with sore throat and odynophagia 4 days after ingesting a fish bone.

Results: A computed tomography scan revealed a 2.5 cm linear foreign body embedded in the larynx within the right paraglottic space. The patient underwent endoscopic examination and transcervical exploration of the paraglottic space via a posterolateral approach, with successful removal of the foreign body on the second attempt.

Conclusion: This is the first case report of an ingested paraglottic space foreign body managed by transcervical exploration using a posterolateral approach to the paraglottic space.

Keywords: Deglutition Disorders; Foreign Bodies; Foreign-Body Migration; Larynx.