Transoral endoscopic approach to upper cervical spine migrated foreign bodies

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundMigrated ingested foreign bodies in the aerodigestive tract can lodge within vital organs and vessels, causing potentially devastating complications. It is often difficult to localise these foreign bodies, with extrication resulting in the requirement for open approaches which may cause significant morbidity.Case reportThis paper presents the case of an ingested migrated stingray bone lodged adjacent to the vertebral artery in the upper cervical spine. This was managed via an endoscopic transoral approach, with the assistance of an image-guidance system.ResultsSuccessful extraction of the foreign body was achieved, with minimal residual morbidity.ConclusionOur study showed that image-guided endoscopic surgery is a safe, precise and feasible option for the localisation and removal of migrated foreign bodies in the aerodigestive tract involving critical neurovascular structures.