USEFULNESS OF A CURVED LARYNGOSCOPE FOR SAFE REMOVAL OF A FISH BONE FOREIGN BODY FROM THE HYPOPHARYNX : A CASE REPORT

Abstract

Foreign body aspiration is an emergency condition that is often encountered. When the foreign body is in the hypopharynx, it can be removed by an otolaryngologist ; on the other hand, when the foreign body is at the back of the esophagus, it can be removed by using endoscopy. Here we report a 78-year-old woman who had a sore throat after eating yellowtail fish. Computed tomography (CT) showed a fish bone with a diameter of 4cm at the hypopharynx. Using a curved laryngoscope, we spread the hypopharynx and found a fish bone at the postcricoid region. The fish bone was safely removed by endoscopy. CT was useful to determine the treatment strategy. When it is difficult to see a foreign body at the hypopharynx, using a curved laryngoscope may be helpful to avoid surgical treatment.