Hostname: page-component-586b7cd67f-r5fsc Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-11-23T04:09:14.603Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

Pharyngolaryngeal migration: a delayed complication of an impacted bullet in the neck

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 June 2007

J. W. Nicol*
Affiliation:
Sheffield
M. P. J. Yardley
Affiliation:
Sheffield
A. J. Parker
Affiliation:
Sheffield
*
Dr J. W. Nicol, M.B., Ch.B., Department of Otolaryngology, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Glasgow G4 0SF.

Abstract

We present a case of a patient who sustained a bullet wound to the mouth and face resulting in impaction of the foreign body in the neck. This was initially managed conservatively until migration into the supralaryngeal area occurred. This resulted in airway obstruction, dysphagia, and dysphonia necessitating resuscitation and per-operative intrapharyngeal removal.

Bullet wounds are uncommon in this country and experience with these cases is lacking. This paper discusses the various management options and the mechanism of how the bullet became lodged in the tissues of the neck.

Type
Clinical Records
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 1992

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

Cook, J. A., Dawkins, R. S. (1989) Airgun pellet injuries in the neck. Journal of Laryngology and Otology, 103: 432434.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Grimes, W. R., Morris, D. M.Deitch, E. A. (1988) Shotgun wounds involving the head and neck. American Journal of Surgery, 155: 776779.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Holt, G. R., Kostohryz, G. Jr (1983) Wound ballistics of gunshot injuries to the head and neck. Archives of Otolaryngology, 109: 313318.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Mangiardi, J. R., Alleva, M., Dynia, R., Zubowski, R. (1988) Transoral removal of missile fragments from the C1–C2 area: report of four cases. Neurosurgery, 23: 254257.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Morrow, J. S., Haycock, C. E., Lazaro, E. (1978) The ‘swallowed bullet’ syndrome. Journal of Trauma, 18: 464466.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Schaefer, S. D., Bucholz, R. W., Jones, R. E., Anderson, R. G., Carder, M. M. (1981) ‘How I do it’—Head and Neck. A targetted problem and its solution. Treatment of transpharyngeal missile wounds to the cervical spine. Laryngoscope, 91: 146148.CrossRefGoogle Scholar