Accidental cell phone ingestion with pharyngeal impaction.

Abstract 35 year old intoxicated male ingestedan unusual, large foreign object(cell phone). To report the ingestionof an unusual large foreign objectwith hypopharyngeal impaction, complications, and treatment. Foreign body ingestionin the adult population is more prevalent in those who engage in drug or alcohol abuse. Impaction and perforation of the upper aerodigestive tract can lead to significant and potentially fatal complications including parapharyngeal/ retropharyngeal abscess, mediastinitis, and aortoesophageal fistula. The treatment of foreign object ingestionis dependent on the type of foreign object ingested, its location, and potential for perforation. Endoscopic removal under general anesthesia is the treatment method recommended for foreign bodiesimpacted at the cricopharyngeus or esophagus. We report the only case of the accidental ingestionof an entire cell phone with casing. A plain film x-ray of the neck can be used in the assessment of the location of radiopaque foreign objectsand in diagnosing potential complication.