Impacted toothbrush in the oropharynx: An anesthetic challenge

Abstract

Airway management can be challenging in patients with impacted oropharyngeal foreign bodies, especially those with the shafts of the foreign bodies protruding from the mouth. Difficulties may be encountered in airway assessment, mask ventilation, laryngoscopy, and intubation. This may be compounded by the potential for airway obstruction and injury to adjacent neurovascular structures. We report the case of a 20-year-old lady who came to the emergency department with a toothbrush impacted in the oropharynx with its handle protruding out of the mouth. The anesthetic management followed to successfully intubate the patient and retrieve the foreign body has been discussed.