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Intraglossal impaction of ingested fish bones: a case series
Shirish Johari1, Kevin Yaw-Khian Chong
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, 11 Jalan Tan Tock Seng, 308433 Singapore. shirishjohari@gmail.com
Ear, Nose, & Throat Journal
|August 26, 2010
Summary
Foreign body impaction in the tongue is rare, with fish bones being the most common cause. While most cases require simple exploration, some may necessitate surgery or abscess drainage, but outcomes are generally good.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Head and Neck Surgery
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Foreign body ingestion is common, but impaction in the tongue is rare.
- Pharyngeal and hypopharyngeal foreign bodies are frequently encountered.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incidence and management of foreign bodies embedded in tongue tissue.
- To analyze the outcomes of surgical interventions for tongue foreign bodies.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of cases from 1998 to 2007.
- Analysis of patient records for foreign body type, location, and removal procedures.
Main Results:
- Six cases of foreign bodies embedded in the tongue were identified.
- All foreign bodies were fish bones.
- Four patients required simple exploration; one needed partial glossectomy; one had an abscess requiring drainage and tracheostomy.
- All foreign bodies were successfully removed without long-term sequelae.
Conclusions:
- Foreign bodies in the tongue, primarily fish bones, are uncommon but can present unique management challenges.
- Prompt diagnosis and appropriate surgical intervention lead to favorable outcomes, preserving tongue function.
