Iatrogenic vallecular foreign body: A case that should help “lead” to prevention strategies

Abstract

Abstract Iatrogenic foreign bodies in the aerodigestive tract are exceedingly rare, as implied by the paucity of reported cases in the literature. To date, only 10 such cases have been published and have mostly involved the aspiration of either respiratory care equipment or parts of sterilization instruments that had become lodged within these devices [1–7]. Amongst these exists a small number of reportings of objects retained within laryngeal mask airways (LMA) and subsequently deposited into the larynx [3]. In this article we present an unusual case of a plastic electrocardiogram-lead cover introduced inadvertently into the vallecula of a teenager upon insertion of a LMA, and the subsequent course that culminated in removal under general anesthetic. This case illustrates the need for routine prevention strategies when using LMA ventilation.