Removal of an aspirated denture through a tracheostome

Abstract

Foreign body aspiration usually occurs in the pediatric population. Adults with impaired airway protective mechanisms, such as patients with neurologic disorders or head or face trauma, may also aspirate foreign bodies. Patients have a typical history and findings. Diagnosis and management in most cases is accomplished with either flexible or rigid bronchoscopy. Very rarely, open surgical procedures may be required for removal. A patient who aspirated a broken part of his denture, which measured 5.5 × 2.5 × 2 cm, is presented. The patient was epileptic, and aspiration of the denture occurred during an epileptic seizure. Diagnosis of foreign body aspiration could only be made 4 days after the accident because of faulty evaluation of the patient and the chest radiograph. Thoracic computed tomography was useful in this patient for diagnosis. The foreign body could not be removed with either flexible or rigid bronchoscopy. It was removed through a tracheostoma with a combination of rigid bronchoscopy.