Beyond the usual: a case series of rare foreign bodies in ENT practice

Abstract

Foreign bodies (FBs) in the ear, nose, and throat account for about 11% of ENT emergencies, most commonly affecting children under 6 years due to exploratory behaviour. The external auditory canal is the most frequent site (44%), followed by nasal, pharyngeal, oesophageal, and laryngo-bronchial locations. Early diagnosis and appropriate removal are essential to prevent complications, which are more common with delayed presentation or improper prior attempts. Hereby, we are reporting five unique cases of foreign bodies, emphasizing the importance of site- and type-specific management. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 150 patients presenting with foreign body (FB) lodgement in the ear, nose, and throat at the Otorhinolaryngology department of a tertiary care teaching hospital of western Gujarat. Institutional ethical approval and informed consent were obtained. Patients were evaluated using a predesigned questionnaire and appropriate clinical and radiological investigations based on the site of FB, including otoscopy, X-ray imaging, endoscopy, and CT where indicated. Foreign bodies were removed using suitable techniques, and patients were assessed for post-removal complications. Here, we report five unique foreign body cases encountered during the study period. The five unique foreign bodies encountered during the course of the study included a thorn lodged in the right pyriform fossa, a ballpoint pen stuck in the hard palate, a sea shell in the left nostril, a golden tooth in the cervical oesophagus, and a toothbrush in the oesophagus. Foreign bodies in ENT are common emergencies, especially in children. This series presents five unique cases, emphasizing prompt diagnosis, appropriate management, and preventive awareness to reduce morbidity. This study underscores the importance of prompt, systematic management and preventive education in improving patient outcomes.