Delayed diagnosis of a foreign body in the pharynx following septorhinoplasty: a case report

Septorhinoplasty is widely performed to correct nasal deformities and improve airway function. Delayed diagnosis can lead to increased patient discomfort and complicate medical interventions, highlighting the need for vigilance and timely management.

We report a case involving a 39-year-old woman who experienced severe throat pain and a sensation of obstruction following septorhinoplasty. Initial symptoms were misinterpreted as normal postoperative discomfort, resulting in a 2-day delay in diagnosis despite repeated clinical visits. Upon further evaluation, a foreign body, identified as an oral airway, was discovered in the pharynx. The patient was referred for immediate surgical intervention.

Nasal packing and the foreign body complicated anesthetic management, necessitating a strategic approach to maintain spontaneous respiration and ensure safe removal.

Managing pharyngeal foreign bodies requires a multidisciplinary approach, combining surgical and anesthetic expertise. This case illustrates the importance of early recognition and intervention to prevent complications such as airway obstruction. Anesthetic strategies must be tailored to individual patient needs, emphasizing the maintenance of spontaneous ventilation and using a laryngeal mask airway post-extraction to secure the airway.