The surgical extraction of foreign bodies after the inhalation of a scarf pin: Two cases

The inhalation of a foreign body (FB) is rare in the adult although more common in the child. The type of FB varies greatly according to the dietary and educational habits of the populations studied. In Morocco, metal FB are common, especially the pins used to attach scarves. These pins migrate easily and wedge at a distance making them difficult to extract by endoscopy, thereby resulting in thoracotomy. The authors present two cases of the inhalation of a pin held in the mouth during a sudden emotion. Since the clinical, symptomatology is inconspicuous, thoracic imaging is used to locate the FB. After a failure to extract it by rigid bronchoscopy combined with flexible bronchoscopy, the two patients underwent surgery. The sequellae were simple. Prevention in both the child and in the adult are the best way to avoid this incident that may have dramatic results. (C) 2009 Published by Elsevier Masson SAS.