Foreign body removal is a medical procedure performed by an ENT specialist (ear, nose, and throat) doctor to remove an object that has become lodged in the ear, nose, or throat.
The most common objects that require foreign body removal are beads, buttons, coins, pieces of food, and small toys. In most cases, the object can be removed using a simple pair of forceps or tweezers.
However, if the object is located deep in the ear canal or nose, the doctor may need to use special instruments to remove it.
If the object is located in the throat, the doctor may need to perform a laryngoscopy (examination of the larynx) to remove it.
This procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia. After the object has been removed, the doctor will usually clean the area and apply a sterile dressing.
In some cases, antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent infection.