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External auditory canal foreign body removal: management practices and outcomes
Scott K Thompson1, Richard O Wein, Paul O Dutcher
1Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Rochester Medical Center, New York 14642, USA. Scott_Thompson@urmc.rochester.edu
The Laryngoscope
|November 7, 2003
Summary
Emergency departments successfully remove most ear canal foreign bodies. However, firm, rounded objects or those with prior removal attempts warrant direct otolaryngology consultation to avoid complications.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Emergency Medicine
- Medical Device Removal
Background:
- Foreign bodies in the external auditory canal are common presentations in emergency departments.
- Initial management by emergency personnel aims for prompt removal but can be challenging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the efficacy of foreign body removal from the external auditory canal by healthcare practitioners.
- To investigate outcomes for patients experiencing unsuccessful initial removal attempts.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective case series analysis of 162 patients with external auditory canal foreign bodies.
- Review of medical records for patient demographics, foreign body characteristics, management strategies, and outcomes.
Main Results:
- Emergency personnel successfully managed 67% of cases; 33% required otolaryngology consultation.
- Irregularly shaped, soft foreign bodies were more often removed successfully in the emergency department.
- Firm, rounded foreign bodies and those with prior removal attempts were frequently referred, with some requiring anesthesia or surgical intervention.
Conclusions:
- Emergency departments effectively manage most external auditory canal foreign bodies.
- Consider direct otolaryngology consultation for firm, rounded objects to prevent complications.
- Patients with prior removal attempts should be referred directly to otolaryngology without further emergency department manipulation.