M Vincent1, J-M Vergnon2. 1. Service de pneumologie et oncologie thoracique, hôpital Nord, CHU de Saint-Étienne, 42000 Saint-Étienne, France. 2. Service de pneumologie et oncologie thoracique, hôpital Nord, CHU de Saint-Étienne, 42000 Saint-Étienne, France. Electronic address: jean.michel.vergnon@univ-st-etienne.fr.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Inhalation of foreign bodies is an unusual complication of dental care. When it occurs immediately during the intervention, it is generally a dental tool, such as the little screwdrivers used for dental implant procedures. CASE REPORT: A 59-year-old man was referred to our hospital for asymptomatic inhalation of a small drill during dental surgery. Because the drill had a barbed tip, prompt removal was indicated. The foreign body was localized in a sub-segmental division of the left lower lobe (B10b) and could be removed via a flexible bronchoscope under a short general anesthetic without intubation. There was no significant injury of the bronchial mucosa. CONCLUSION: Inhalation of foreign bodies during dental interventions is unusual and sometimes asymptomatic but their removal is always indicated. In some cases, the removal can be performed with a flexible bronchoscope.
INTRODUCTION: Inhalation of foreign bodies is an unusual complication of dental care. When it occurs immediately during the intervention, it is generally a dental tool, such as the little screwdrivers used for dental implant procedures. CASE REPORT: A 59-year-old man was referred to our hospital for asymptomatic inhalation of a small drill during dental surgery. Because the drill had a barbed tip, prompt removal was indicated. The foreign body was localized in a sub-segmental division of the left lower lobe (B10b) and could be removed via a flexible bronchoscope under a short general anesthetic without intubation. There was no significant injury of the bronchial mucosa. CONCLUSION: Inhalation of foreign bodies during dental interventions is unusual and sometimes asymptomatic but their removal is always indicated. In some cases, the removal can be performed with a flexible bronchoscope.