Abstract
Background:
Ingested metallic foreign bodies in the aerodigestive tract often require prompt endoscopic or surgical retrieval, but visualization failures despite radiographic confirmation pose diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. This report describes a novel use of a magnetic-tipped bridle to localize and retrieve an unusual sieve-derived metal fragment during microlaryngoscopy.
Case presentation:
A 45-year-old female presented after accidentally swallowing a small piece of metal from a kitchen sieve. Plain X-ray confirmed a 2 cm linear radiopaque foreign body in the upper aerodigestive tract. Flexible nasendoscopy and initial microlaryngoscopy failed to visualize it. During microlaryngoscopy under general anesthesia, a bridle nasogastric tube with distal magnet was advanced trans orally; magnetic attraction to the laryngeal sidewall enabled precise localization and atraumatic retrieval without complications. The patient was discharged the next day with no sequelae.
Conclusions:
Magnetic bridle-assisted microlaryngoscopy offers a safe, innovative adjunct for radiopaque metallic foreign bodies occult to direct visualization, avoiding rigid endoscopy or open surgery. This technique repurposes standard NG securement tools effectively in ENT practice.
Keywords
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.