Recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy due to impacted dental plate in the thoracic oesophagus: case report.
BACKGROUND
Retained oesophageal foreign bodies must be urgently removed to prevent potentially serious complications. Recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy is rare and has not been reported in association with a foreign body in the thoracic oesophagus.


METHODS
We present a case of a dental plate in the thoracic oesophagus that caused high dysphagia. Delayed diagnosis led to a recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy, which persisted despite successful surgical removal of the foreign body.


CONCLUSIONS
Oesophagoscopy is essential to fully assess patients with persistent symptoms after foreign body ingestion, irrespective of the level of dysphagia. Recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy may indicate impending perforation and should prompt urgent evaluation and treatment.
Sutcliffe
Robert P
RP
Department of General Surgery, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Trust, St Thomas' Hospital, Lambeth Palace Road, London SE1 7EH, UK. Robert.Mason@gstt.nhs.uk.
Rohatgi
Ashish
A
Forshaw
Matthew J
MJ
Mason
Robert C
RC