Endoscopy Assisted Removal of Post Traumatic Impacted Foreign Body in the Nose Extending into Opposite Parapharyngeal Space

Indian J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2023 Apr;75(Suppl 1):1108-1112. doi: 10.1007/s12070-023-03677-6. Epub 2023 Mar 15.

Abstract

The head and neck region is a complex anatomical area with vulnerable nervous and vascular structures, auditory and visual organs and upper aero-digestive tract. Penetrating foreign bodies of head and neck region are not uncommon and pertain mostly to wood, metal and glass (Levine et al. in Am J Emerg Med 26:918-922, 2008). This case report describes an airborne high velocity foreign body blown off from a lawn mower penetrating the left side of the face, penetrating deep into nasopharynx and opposite parapharyngeal space through paranasal sinuses. A multidisciplinary team managed this case successfully, avoiding injuries to adjacent vital skull base structures.

Keywords: Combined approach; Endoscopic mobilisation; Lateral rhinotomy; Parapharyngeal space; Penetrating foreign body.