Cryoextraction: A novel approach to remove aspirated chewing gum

Abstract

The extraction of aspirated foreign bodies can prove challenging at times, requiring even rigid bronchoscopy. Cryotherapy probes have been reported to help with extraction of foreign bodies. We present a case where successful "cryoextraction" was performed on an aspirated chewing gum. The case highlights the fact that this technique is useful to extract all materials that have water content. This technique can be performed through flexible bronchoscopy and can save patients from more aggressive approaches.

Keywords

• Bronchoscopy
• cryotherapy
• cryoextraction
• foreign body
• gum