Publication:

A neglected foreign body in oesophagus with an unusual presentation: a case report

Foreign body ingestion is clinical emergency in otorhinolaryngology practice which requires immediate proper management to ensure speedy recovery and reduce complications. Accidental ingestion of food based foreign bodies like fish and meat bones are common among adults. Penetration of these foreign bodies may cause vascular or suppurative complications which are rare; however, if present these can cause significant morbidity to the patient. We report a case of 60-year-old male patient who presented with painful right side neck swelling. The CT nscan neck revealed a foreign body penetrating oesophageal wall on either side leading to right cervical abscess and mediastinitis. Under general anaesthesia foreign body bone piece was removed by rigid oesophagoscopy. In conclusion, it is very important to elicit the history of accidental foreign body ingestion in patients who present with acute onset of neck swelling. Besides clinical examination, radiological imaging modalities are very useful in confirming the diagnosis, site localisation of foreign body and proceed with timely and appropriate management.