Endoscopic Retrieval of a Broken Dental Needle at the Skull Base

Edited by: George A. Scangas, MD

Highlights:

• Pre-operative imaging with the patient’s mouth open is performed to simulate the operative position of the foreign body

• An image guidance probe is utilized to facilitate localization of the foreign body within the lateral pterygoid muscle.

Keep in Mind:
• Pre-operative knowledge of the gauge of a needle foreign body can help predict the difficulty of retrieval and help in operative planning
• Needle tip cautery aids in bloodless dissection through the buccal mucosa and fibers of the pterygoid muscles