A viral jelly ball stick stuck to a child’s tonsil: a case report

Abstract

Ingestion of foreign bodies is a common emergency in pediatrics, but cases where foreign bodies are found adhered to the tonsils are rare. They require prompt identification and management to avoid dire consequences. This condition can lead to a spectrum of clinical presentations, ranging from asymptomatic passage to respiratory compromise. We present a case report of a 7-year-old girl who complained of persistent odynophagia in the throat region. Before that, she had taken a famous and viral jelly ball, and she only complained of pain and a sharp sensation in her throat after some time. On her initial visit to the otorhinolaryngology (ORL) clinic, nothing was found, but her symptoms persisted. So, the patient was seen again in the ORL clinic. She was planned for an examination under general anesthesia due to her being uncooperative during awake throat examination.

During the examination, a fine, thin wooden splinter, about 1 cm in length, was seen stuck at the posterior inferior pole of the left tonsil. The surgeon easily removed the foreign body without much bleeding. This case report presents a unique presentation and emphasises the need for clinicians to maintain a high index of suspicion for ingestion in pediatric patients presenting with oropharyngeal symptoms. Prompt diagnosis and appropriate management strategies for foreign body cases are crucial to prevent complications such as airway obstruction or perforation.

Abbreviations: FB:  foreign body, IV: intravenous, ORL: otorhinolaryngology, TCI: target-controlled infusion

Keywords: Airway; Case Report; Emergency; Foreign Body; Tonsil

Citation: Hehsan MR, Ismet S. A viral jelly ball stick stuck to a child’s tonsil: a case report. Anaesth. pain intensive care 2025;29(6):630-633. DOI: 10.35975/apic.v29i6.2488

Received: June 05, 2024; Revised: May 30, 2025; Accepted: May 30, 2025