Repeated Synchronous Aspiration and Ingestion of a Sharp Metallic Foreign Body in a Mentally Disabled Adolescent

In a mentally disabled adolescent, bronchoscopic extraction failure of a metallic foreign body from the left main bronchus was followed by mediastinal emphysema. At thoracotomy, a part of the metallic hook was found to protrude through the main bronchus, just by the descending aorta. The foreign body was removed and the bronchus sutured. After the thoracotomy closure, laparotomy was performed with removal of metallic pieces from the stomach. After three years, a repeated metallic foreign body aspiration as confirmed by the chest radiography ensued, with metallic pieces in the bowels as well. With the surgical team on site, rigid bronchoscopy was done and the foreign body extracted from the intermediate bronchus. Metallic pieces left the digestive tract spontaneously after a few days. In conclusion, the appropriate preoperative workup and timing for surgery are essential for the treatment outcome of this life-threatening condition; because of the high likelihood of the major airway injury, such procedures should be done with a surgical team available whenever possible.