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Multiple Black Carpenter Ants in Hypopharynx

Sanjaya Kumar Behera1, Ananya Aparoopa2, Saroj Kumar Behera3

  • 1DHH and DDMCH Keonjhar, Keonjhar, Odisha 758001 India.

Indian Journal of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery : Official Publication of the Association of Otolaryngologists of India
|May 27, 2025
PubMed

Insights

A 13-year-old boy experienced throat pain due to multiple carpenter ants lodged in his hypopharynx. Prompt removal under topical anesthesia in the operating room resolved this unusual otolaryngology emergency.

Area of Science:

  • Otolaryngology
  • Emergency Medicine
  • Pediatric Care

Background:

  • Foreign bodies in the ear, nose, and throat (ENT) are a frequent reason for emergency department visits.
  • While some foreign bodies are easily visualized and removed, others present diagnostic and therapeutic challenges requiring prompt medical intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report an unusual case of pediatric foreign body ingestion involving multiple insects.
  • To highlight the diagnostic and management approach for difficult-to-visualize foreign bodies in the hypopharynx.

Main Methods:

  • A 13-year-old male presented with odynophagia, excessive salivation, and throat pain.
  • A 70-degree laryngoscopy revealed multiple black carpenter ants in the hypopharynx.
  • Foreign bodies were removed surgically under topical anesthesia in the operating room.

Main Results:

  • The surgical removal of multiple carpenter ants from the hypopharynx was successful.
  • The patient experienced symptom resolution and was discharged with conservative management after observation.

Conclusions:

  • Ingestion of multiple insects, such as carpenter ants, is a rare cause of hypopharyngeal foreign body presentation.
  • Prompt endoscopic visualization and surgical removal are crucial for managing such unusual ENT emergencies in children.
Keywords:
Carpenter AntsForeign BodiesHypopharynxRigid Endoscopy

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