CASE REPORT – Bilateral lung collapse due to aspirated nasal packing

Abstract

An aspirated foreign body continues to present serious challenge of airway management to anesthesiologists perioperatively. These patients usually present with respiratory distress and require a high index of suspicion; need prompt assessment and recognition of the potential cause, and emergency management to obtain the best possible outcome. Nasal packing after ENT surgery has been previously reported to result in complications.  A nasal pack obstructing left bronchus completely and right bronchus partially, resulting inpost obstructive pulmonary edema is reported.This patient had aspirated the nasal pack in recovery room after tracheal extubation. The case highlights the need for close postoperativemonitoring in patients with nasal packs, the diagnostic role of fibroptic bronchoscope and therapeutic role of rigid bronchoscope in airway obstruction.

Citation: Siddique M, Haq IU, Haq AU. Bilateral lung collapse due to aspirated nasal packing. Anaesth Pain & Intensive Care 2009; 13(2):75-77