Migration of an ingested fish bone into the paraglottic space.

BACKGROUND

Ingested foreign bodies are common emergencies encountered in otolaryngology practice. The vast majority can be managed with endoscopic removal. Migration of foreign bodies into the paraglottic space is a rare event that often necessitates using a more invasive procedure for removal.

CASE REPORT: A 68-year-old man presented with sore throat and odynophagia 4 days after ingesting a fish bone.

RESULTS

A computed tomography scan revealed a 2.5 cm linear foreign body embedded in the larynx within the right paraglottic space. The patient underwent endoscopic examination and transcervical exploration of the paraglottic space via a posterolateral approach, with successful removal of the foreign body on the second attempt.

CONCLUSION

This is the first case report of an ingested paraglottic space foreign body managed by transcervical exploration using a posterolateral approach to the paraglottic space.