Removal of aspirated teeth in a multiple trauma patient, using fiberoptic bronchoscopy with simultaneous tracheostomy: review of 2 cases

Respir Care. 2014 Jan;59(1):e1-4. doi: 10.4187/respcare.02468. Epub 2013 Jun 13.

Abstract

Aspiration of a tooth in facial trauma is a known complication. There have been few reports on the consequences of maxillofacial trauma, especially when the patient is intubated. We report 2 complicated cases of multiple teeth aspiration and their removal in intubated patients. A special technique using flexible bronchoscopy with simultaneous tracheotomy was used for safe and successful removal of aspirated teeth. We suggest that simultaneous tracheostomy is a safe and effective method for removal of a bronchial foreign body in a maxillofacial traumatized patient.

Keywords: fiberoptic bronchoscopy; maxillofacial trauma; tooth aspiration.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Bronchi*
  • Bronchoscopy* / instrumentation
  • Facial Injuries / complications*
  • Fiber Optic Technology
  • Foreign Bodies / etiology
  • Foreign Bodies / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Intubation, Intratracheal
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Multiple Trauma / complications*
  • Respiratory Aspiration / etiology
  • Respiratory Aspiration / therapy*
  • Tooth
  • Tracheostomy*