Aspirated Foreign Body in a Laryngectomized Patient: Case Report and Literature Review

Abstract

The presence of a permanent tracheal stoma in a laryngectomized adult is a predisposing factor for foreign-body aspiration, as are conditions that impair normal protective airway mechanisms. Such an aspiration can cause significant morbidity if it is not properly managed. The use of rigid bronchoscopy to remove an aspirated object can be difficult in these patients, and a high percentage of them require thoracotomy, especially for the removal of sharp objects. An emphasis on patient education regarding the handling of objects around the stoma in laryngectomized adults is key to preventing aspiration and its complications.

Blocked Voice Prosthesis: A Common Complication Reducing the Prosthesis Longevity

“…31 Patients should also know that the negative intrapleural pressure gradient that is generated during deep breathing or paroxysms of coughing may cause aspiration of an object held loosely around the stoma. 32 Careful handling of objects around the stoma after laryngectomy is important in preventing complications. 31 Xerostomia induced by radiotherapy reduce prosthesis lifespan as it decreases antibacterial and antifungal salivary peptides, which increases the chance of biofilm formation.…”

Retrieval of inhaled foreign bodies in laryngectomised patients: Novel technique using a flexible nasendoscope under local anaesthetic

“…These include speaking valves, cleaning brushes, laryngeal button devices and laryngeal tubes. All of these have been inhaled in case reports in the literature …”

“…All of these have been inhaled in case reports in the literature. 1,2 The described technique allows easy removal of inhaled foreign bodies from patients with laryngeal stomas under local anaesthetic with equipment that is familiar to any otolaryngology trainee or consultant in the United Kingdom (UK).…”

An unusual tracheobronchial foreign body

“…The presence of a permanent tracheal stoma in laryngectomised adults is a predisposing factor for foreign body aspiration 1. At 12.5 cm, this is the longest nail recorded to have been aspirated into the tracheobronchial tree.…”