Unusual iatrogenic foreign body in a nose: A case report

Abstract

Foreign bodies in the nose are common in children, but are rarely found in adults. In this case, a 34-year-old male was ad- mitted to our clinic with complaints of nasal obstruction, halitosis and foul-smelling purulent nasal discharge. History of the patient revealed a septoplasty procedure completed about one year ago. Anterior rhinoscopy and nasal endoscopic exami- nation of the patient revealed that both nasal cavities were filled with foreign bodies. After the removal of these materials, the foreign bodies were identified as rhinolith particles with 2x5cm X-ray film cut-out sheets embedded within. We thought the X-ray film sheets were used for nasal packing following the previous septoplasty. The X-ray film sheets had eventually become rhinoliths over time. It is not clear why the packing was retained for such a long duration. As demonstrated by this case report, postoperative follow-up after septoplasty is important, and iatrogenic foreign bodies should be considered in the differential diagnosis of an adult patient with rhinolithiasis. [Arch Clin Exp Surg 2015; 4(3.000): 157-159]

Keywords

• Foreign bodies
• iatrogenic disease
• septoplasty