Migratory Fish Bone in the Hyoglossus: Catch Me if You Can

Abstract

Foreign body ingestion is one of the most frequently encountered cases in otorhinolaryngology and most of the cases can be managed non-operatively. If left untreated, migration of foreign bodies can occur and presents a significant challenge in patient management. We hereby describe the case of an elderly gentleman who had a preceding history of fish bone ingestion and complained of dysphagia for two days. Clinical examination revealed swelling of the right vallecula with minimal pus discharge. Computed tomography (CT) of the neck confirmed the diagnosis of a migratory foreign body in the neck. He underwent open neck exploration and foreign body removal under intraoperative fluoroscopy guidance. A high index of suspicion of a migratory foreign body is warranted in cases of persistent, unresolved symptoms with the failure of endoscopic evaluation to detect the foreign body. Migratory foreign body of the neck may cause life-threatening complications and requires early surgical intervention.