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Year : 2012 | Volume
: 19
| Issue : 4 | Page : 250-252 |
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Impacted Stump of Toothbrush in the Throat following a fall: A case report
OA Olajuyin, AB Okunola
Department of Ear, Nose and Throat, Ekiti-State University Teaching Hospital, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti-State, Nigeria
Correspondence Address:
O A Olajuyin Department of Ear, Nose and Throat, Ekiti-State University Teaching Hospital, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti-State Nigeria
 Source of Support: None, Conflict of Interest: None  | Check |

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Aims and Objectives : The objective of this paper is to emphasise the importance of detailed history, thorough physical examination and the need to expose undergraduates to basic Otorhinolaryngological skills of clinical examination as a way of overcoming the diagnostic challenges of foreign body in the throat. Patients and Methods : The case was an 8-year old boy who presented with 1-year history of impacted stump of toothbrush in his throat following a fall. With a high index of suspicion, his throat was examined under bright illumination and a foreign body brought into view by tongue depression was found impacted in his left tonsillar fossa. He was subsequently taken to the operating room for removal under General Anaesthesia. Results : Intra-operatively, the stump of a toothbrush measuring 4.8cm in length was confirmed and removed (Figs 1 & 2). The procedure was uneventful. Conclusion : Foreign body in the throat could pose diagnostic challenge. Detailed history and thorough physical examination are essential to clinch a diagnosis. Early referral in doubtful cases goes a long way to reduce morbidity and mortality associated with delayed removal. |
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