Beyond the Norm: Tracheostomy's Vital Role in Unconventional Foreign Body Removal.

BACKGROUND: Foreign Body Aspiration (FBA) is one of the paediatric emergencies which require timely diagnosis and management. The inherent tendency of children to explore small objects with their mouths often prove to be fatal as they are difficult to remove once aspirated.

CASE REPORT: We present the case of a 5-year-old boy who presented with dyspnea and vomiting following the aspiration of a pen cap. Chest radiograph and Rigid Bronchoscopy helped to identify the foreign body but it couldn't be removed by Rigid Bronchoscopy alone due it's wedge-shaped nature. Hence, an unconventional method of foreign body removal was performed by making a tracheostoma, pushing the foreign body to the level of tracheostoma and thereby taking it out from the tracheostoma under strict monitoring of anesthesia team.

CONCLUSION: Alternative approaches like this are required for prompt intervention in a difficult case as it helps to reduce complications produced by repeated failed attempts.