A Rare Case of Oropharyngeal and Nasopharyngeal Stenosis Secondary to Self-Inflicted Gunshot Wound.

Abstract

Synechiae are abnormal adhesions or scar tissue that develop between two normally separate anatomical surfaces. Here, we present a rare case in which oropharyngeal and nasopharyngeal synechiae resulted in partial stenosis and functional impairments in speech, swallowing, and airway patency. The patient underwent surgical lysis of the scar bands, in which the bilateral bands connecting the tongue base to the posterior palate and pharyngeal wall were released using needle-tip Bovie cautery. Follow-up demonstrated significant improvement in breathing and swallowing. This case highlights the importance of understanding the healing process following traumatic injury to the oral and nasopharyngeal mucosa to better recognize and manage postoperative complications arising from abnormal adhesions. Further studies should investigate predisposing factors that increase susceptibility to such formations, as well as techniques and practices to prevent complications similar to the one presented here.