Ultrasound-Guided Removal of Deep-Lying Foreign Bodies of the Soft Neck Tissue in a Patient with a Shrapnel Wound

Abstract

The paper describes a clinical case of intraoperative constant ultrasound-guided removal of deep-lying foreign bodies of the soft left neck tissue in a patient with a shrapnel wound resulted from mortaring. When deciding on a surgical option, the potential C-arm-guided foreign body removal was also considered; however, due to the topical localization of the foreign body between the internal jugular vein and the bifurcation area of the common carotid artery, the use of this technique was associated with a high risk of vascular trauma. The surgery was performed under local anesthesia using constant “free hand” US method in duplex mode. The foreign body was successfully removed. The wound completely healed by secondary intention, and a series of control ultrasound examinations revealed no signs of postoperative complications.