Transfacial Removal of a Retained Crossbow Arrow to the Head: A Multidisciplinary Approach

Area of Science:

• Trauma surgery
• Head and neck surgery
• Interventional radiology

Background:

• A 49-year-old male sustained a severe penetrating neck injury from a crossbow arrow.
• The arrow traversed the mandible, pterygoids, nasopharynx, and parotid gland.
• Initial conservative management with antibiotics failed to resolve recurrent infections and worsening symptoms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the multidisciplinary approach for the safe removal of a complex retained crossbow arrow.
• To highlight the collaborative efforts between Head and Neck Oncology, Rhinology, and Neurointerventional Radiology.

Main Methods:

• Collaborative surgical planning and execution involving multiple specialized services.
• Utilized advanced imaging and interventional techniques for precise foreign body localization and removal.
• Post-operative management focused on infection control and symptom resolution.

Main Results:

• Successful and safe removal of the retained crossbow arrow was achieved.
• The patient experienced significant improvement in facial pain and nasal congestion.
• No major intraoperative or postoperative complications were reported.

Conclusions:

• Multidisciplinary collaboration is crucial for managing complex penetrating neck trauma.
• Timely and precise surgical intervention can lead to favorable outcomes in cases of retained foreign bodies.
• This case underscores the importance of specialized expertise in treating extensive craniofacial and neck injuries.