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Reflective Foreign Bodies Mimicking Fistulae of the Hard Palate in the Paediatric Population
Serena Martin1, Terence Guy Thorburn1, Marc Christopher Swan1
1Spires Cleft Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK.
Insights
Confetti balloon discs can mimic hard palate fistulas in children, causing diagnostic delays. Early recognition of this rare foreign body is crucial to prevent complications and ensure safe removal.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Otolaryngology
- Medical Device Safety
Background:
- Palatal foreign bodies are uncommon, leading to diagnostic challenges.
- Misdiagnosis can cause patient anxiety and unnecessary invasive procedures.
Abstract:
Palatal foreign bodies remain relatively rare, consequently, delays in diagnosis and misdiagnosis can occur leading to unnecessary anxiety and invasive investigations. We report three children with a reflective disc from inside a confetti balloon masquerading as a fistula of the hard palate. Awareness of this foreign body phenomenon enabled timely diagnosis in subsequent patients; hence the need to highlight such cases to the global cleft community. Crucially, while the foreign body remains in the oral cavity, there is an ongoing risk of airway aspiration which could be life threatening. Removal can be easily facilitated in the outpatient setting.
