Name of the Procedure:

Removal of Foreign Body, Intranasal; Requiring General Anesthesia

• Common names: Nasal foreign body removal under general anesthesia.
• Medical terms: Intranasal foreign body extraction with general anesthesia.

Summary

This procedure involves the removal of an object that has become lodged inside the nasal cavity. It is performed under general anesthesia to ensure the patient remains still and experiences no discomfort during the extraction.

Purpose

Medical Conditions Addressed

• Obstruction of the nasal passages.
• Persistent discomfort or pain due to the foreign object.
• Risk of infection or nasal damage.

Goals

• Safely remove the foreign object.
• Alleviate symptoms such as pain, obstruction, and risk of infection.
• Restore normal nasal function.

Indications

Symptoms or Conditions

• Difficulty breathing through one or both nostrils.
• Nasal pain or irritation.
• Foul-smelling nasal discharge, indicating possible infection.
• Visible foreign object in the nasal passage.

Patient Criteria

• Patient cannot tolerate removal under local anesthesia or sedation.
• Complex cases where the object is deeply embedded or difficult to access.
• Young children or patients with high anxiety.

Preparation

Pre-Procedure Instructions

• Fasting: No food or drink for at least 6-8 hours before the procedure.

• Medication: Adjustments or discontinuations as per doctor's recommendations, especially blood thinners or certain chronic medications.

  Diagnostic Tests

• Nasal endoscopy to locate the foreign object.
• Imaging tests (e.g., X-ray, CT scan) if the object is not visible or is suspected to be complexly positioned.

Procedure Description

Step-by-Step

1. Patient is placed under general anesthesia.
2. An endoscope or a speculum is used to visualize the nasal cavity.
3. Specialized instruments like forceps, suction devices, or hooks are used to grasp and extract the foreign object.
4. The nasal cavity is examined for any remaining fragments or damage.

Tools and Equipment

• Endoscope, nasal speculum, forceps, suction device, hooks.

Anesthesia

• General anesthesia is administered to ensure the patient is asleep and pain-free during the procedure.

Duration

• Typically takes between 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the complexity of the case.

Setting

• Hospital operating room or surgical center.

Personnel

• ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) surgeon.
• Anesthesiologist.
• Nursing staff and surgical assistants.

Risks and Complications

Common Risks

• Bleeding from the nasal cavity.
• Minor irritation or infection.

Rare Risks

• Damage to nasal structures.
• Anesthesia-related complications.

Benefits

Expected Benefits

• Immediate relief from obstruction or pain.
• Reduced risk of infection and further nasal damage.
• Restoration of proper nasal function.

Recovery

Post-Procedure Care

• Monitoring in the recovery room until anesthesia wears off.
• Pain management with prescribed medications.
• Nasal care instructions such as saline irrigation.

Recovery Time

• Generally, 1-2 days for minor discomfort to resolve, but normal activities can often resume within a few days.

Restrictions

• Avoid blowing the nose or strenuous activities for a few days.
• Follow-up appointment to ensure proper healing.

Alternatives

Other Treatment Options

• Attempted removal under local anesthesia, if appropriate.
• Use of decongestants and saline irrigation for minor and non-obstructive cases.

Pros and Cons of Alternatives

• Local anesthesia: Less risk but may be ineffective for anxious patients or deeply embedded objects.
• Non-removal: Reduced immediate intervention but risk of complications from prolonged foreign object presence.

Patient Experience

During the Procedure

• The patient will be asleep and feel no discomfort due to general anesthesia.

After the Procedure

• Some nasal discomfort or mild pain, manageable with medication.
• Possible nasal congestion or slight bleeding, which should subside within a few days.