Pyriform sinus perforation during nasotracheal intubation: a case report

Introduction: Endotracheal intubation is the gold standard to protect the airway during general anesthesia. It is the commonest technique in medical practice with a low complication rate.

Presentation of case: We report a case of left pyriform fossa perforation in a child after apparently uneventful nasotracheal intubation for tonsillectomy.

Discussion: This is a rare complication. Physicians performing endotracheal intubation or dealing with intubated patients should be aware of the clinical symptoms of such complications. A rational management approach has been discussed.

Conclusions: Early diagnosis is the mainstay to improve the outcome and avoid the morbidity and potentially life-threatening course of such trauma.