Perforation of the piriform recessus by a swallowed glass splinter presenting as pneumomediastinum in a child.

The swallowing of sharp glass splinters is rare due to the difficulty of swallowing such objects, and perforation of the piriform recessus and mediastinitis are unusual complications. Perforation of the piriform recessus due to a swallowed sharp glass splinter requires prompt treatment. This report describes a child who was operated on immediately after the diagnosis of perforation of the piriform recessus and was managed successfully. Light-guided pharyngoscopy was very useful for detecting the region of perforation. The literature on such injuries is reviewed here, and the problems associated with treating children with perforation of the piriform recessus and mediastinitis caused by swallowed glass splinters are discussed.