Complicated hypopharyngeal perforation caused by a foreign body

Abstract

The paper describes a patient who ingested a piece of bone during his meal. A foreign body was suspected and admission to the hospital was recommended as well as esophagoscopy, which he refused. Approximately 48 hours after the meal, the patient was admitted to the hospital for increased temperature, neck pain, and swollen right side of neck. Assuming that the condition was a result of hypopharyngeal perforation cased by a foreign body, computed tomography was performed. A collection of pus was found in the lateral and anterior neck compartments with subcutaneous tissue edema, and a foreign body was found in the projection of the hypopharynx. A wide incision was made under general anesthesia and drainage was performed using surgical drains and nasogastric tube. Antibacterial therapy was also applied. The patient was dismissed from the hospital in good general condition. Complications involving a foreign body in the hypopharynx and/or esophagus require urgent attention and adequate diagnosis and therapy. A correct indication, good choice of surgical procedure and intensive antibacterial therapy increase the chance of cure in such patients. .