Difficult Retrieval of a Bronchial Foreign Body in a Patient with Maxillofacial Trauma

Abstract

Maxillofacial trauma is often associated with avulsion of the tooth and an attendant risk of aspiration of the tooth. Delay in diagnosis and intervention can pose a serious threat to life if the central airway is obstructed. Bronchoscopy-guided retrieval of the aspirated tooth in patients with maxillofacial trauma poses a significant challenge to anaesthesiologists in maintaining the airway without compromising oxygenation and ventilation. We report a case of delayed yet difficult bronchoscopic retrieval of a tooth in the right bronchus in a patient with maxillofacial trauma.