Tongue Entrapment in a Plastic Bottleneck

Abstract

Introduction

Oral foreign bodies and perioral injuries are common occurrence among paediatric population. These may range from benign occurrences to those that may threaten the airway. One such injury is tongue entrapment into objects like plastic bottle neck. Tongue entrapment in bottle neck is rare with very few cases reported in literature.

Case Report

A case of a 9-year old mentally retarded male child with tongue haemangioma who got his tongue tightly entrapped inside a plastic bottle neck is presented. Since such cases are very rare, treatment often requires creative and novel approach to ensure safe removal of constricting object without causing any injury to surrounding structures. When conventional methods using Mayo’s scissors failed to cut open the bottle neck, we used Gigli saw wire in a safe manner to cut it open. It took a few minutes to relieve the entrapment of tongue   without traumatising the surrounding structure.

Discussion

This case highlights the result of careless and often dangerous play and misadventures of children and the challenge of management. It calls for vigilance and close supervision of children by caregivers at home and at school. Early presentation, immediate intervention and treatment can prevent grave consequences.