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A potential danger of flexible endoscopy sheaths: a detached tip and how to retrieve it

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 April 2008

Z Awad  and
D D Pothier
Z Awad*
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, St Bartholomew's Hospital, London, UK
D D Pothier
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Royal United Hospital, Bath, UK
*
Address for correspondence: Mr Zaid Awad, Specialist Registrar, Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, St Bartholomew's Hospital, London EC1A 7BE, UK. Fax:  +44 (0)2076017172 E-mail: [email protected]
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Abstract

Objective:

To report an unrecognised complication of fibre-optic nasendoscopy, and its management.

Case report:

A protective, transparent nasendoscopy sheath is often used to reduce nasendoscope ‘downtime’ and to prevent cross infection, with minimal effect on the obtained image quality. We report the case of a subcutaneous tracheostomy procedure during which, without undue strain, the tip of the sheath became detached and acted as a foreign body within the trachea. A urological stone retrieval basket was used to retrieve the sheath, after failure of conventional methods.

Discussion:

Clinicians should be aware that any instrument introduced into the airway has the potential to fail and in the process produce a foreign body which may cause serious complications. The urological stone retrieval basket may be a useful addition to the current set of instruments used to deal with difficult airway foreign bodies.

Keywords

TracheostomyForeign BodiesEndoscopes
Type
Clinical Records
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 123 , Issue 2 , February 2009 , pp. 243 - 244
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 2008

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