Abstract:ObjectiveTo summarize the experience of diagnosis and treatment of foreign bodies in the hypopharynx and to discuss the appropriate surgical approach.MethodsThe study reviewed 12 cases of foreign bodies in the hypopharynx in Department of Otolaryngology, the First Hospital of Wuhan City in the recent 6 years. It was summarized and analyzed for the clinical manifestations, types of foreign bodies, buried sites of foreign bodies, methods of removal or operation, and disease outcomes. All cases were followed up for more than half a year.ResultsAmong the 12 patients, foreign bodies of 6 cases in the hypopharynx were removed directly, or by plasma knife or CO2 laser through endoscopy. The foreign bodies of 3 cases were removed through laterocervical approach. 1 case was successfully treated by electronic laryngoscope. The foreign body of 1 cases spontaneously was disappeared. 1 case of foreign body was buried and organized during the observation period.ConclusionThe diagnosis and localization of foreign bodies in the hypopharynx depended on imaging examination. The surgical approach was determined by the location of buried foreign bodies. Transoral endoscopic approach was the first choice, and if necessary, the laterocervical approach was adopted.
