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Impacted stump of toothbrush in the throat following a fall: a case report
1Department of Ear, Nose and Throat, Ekiti-State University Teaching Hospital, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti-State. Nigeria. oyebanjiolajuyin@yahoo.com
Aims And Objectives:
The objective of this paper is to emphasise the importance of detailed history, thorough physical examination and the need to expose undergraduates to basic Otorhinolaryngological skills of clinical examination as a way of overcoming the diagnostic challenges of foreign body in the throat.
Patients And Methods:
The case was an 8-year old boy who presented with 1-year history of impacted stump of toothbrush in his throat following a fall. With a high index of suspicion, his throat was examined under bright illumination and a foreign body brought into view by tongue depression was found impacted in his left tonsillar fossa. He was subsequently taken to the operating room for removal under General Anaesthesia.
Results:
Intra-operatively, the stump of a toothbrush measuring 4.8cm in length was confirmed and removed (Figs 1 & 2). The procedure was uneventful.
Conclusion:
Foreign body in the throat could pose diagnostic challenge. Detailed history and thorough physical examination are essential to clinch a diagnosis. Early referral in doubtful cases goes a long way to reduce morbidity and mortality associated with delayed removal.
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