Laryngoscopic removal of unusual metallic foreign body of the subglottic region of the larynx

Foreign bodies of the respiratory tract are frequently encountered emergencies in children. A male child of 4 years was brought to our hospital by anxious parents with a history of loss of speech. No information could be gathered from the frightened child and his parents regarding the incidence to elucidate the cause of loss of speech. On examination, the breathing was normal and vital signs did not reveal any abnormality. Roentgenogram of the neck showed a foreign body of metallic density located at the glottis region. The child was immediately taken up for emergency bronchoscopic removal of the foreign body under general anesthesia. A laryngoscopic view revealed this as a piece of safety razor blade lying between the cords and hanging into the subglottis of the larynx. Immediately, this foreign body was successfully removed with the Magill's Forceps by the anesthesiologist. Lack of anesthesia and surgical complications encouraged us to present this case on the basis of our experience.