A migratory sharp foreign body from the hypopharynx to the deep neck space – A case report

Abstract

Foreign body (FB) ingestion is a common emergency managed by otorhinolaryngologists. The clinical manifestations and management vary as per the site of FB and its complications. The diagnosis of FB ingestion is often challenging and depends on its clinical presentations and imaging. One of the rare complications of FB ingestion is migration, which has the potential to result in morbidity and mortality. Migration of FB is said to have occurred in the presence of negative rigid esophagoscopy and positive radiography. Migration of FB to the neck requires neck exploration for its successful removal. Here, we report a case of sharp FB ingested, which penetrated through the hypopharyngeal wall by its sharp end and migrated into the deep space of the neck.

Keywords

• deep neck space
• migration
• neck exploration
• sharp foreign body