Am J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg | Volume 8, Issue 1 | Research Article | Open Access

Prevalence and Diversity of Ear, Nose, and Throat Foreign Bodies at the Saint-Louis Regional Hospital (Senegal)

Diallo OA^1,3*, Sylla S², Diallo KP³, Bah MC^3, Tall H¹, Camara G⁴, Diallo AO³ and Diallo BK⁵

¹Department of ENT, Saint Louis Regional Hospital, Senegal ²Gaston Berger University of Saint-Louis, Senegal ³Department of ENT/Head and Neck Surgery Department. Ignace Deen National Hospital, Conakry (Guinea) ⁴Alioune Diop University of Bambey (UADBl), Senegal 5Department of ENT, Albert Royer Children's Hospital, Senegal

^*Correspondance to: Diallo OA 

Abstract

Introduction: Foreign Bodies (FB) are a frequent cause of emergency consultations in otorhinolaryngology (ENT), particularly in pediatric practice. Their urgency and potential severity depend on their nature and location. This study aimed to assess the prevalence, diversity, and management of ENT foreign bodies at the Regional Hospital Center of Saint-Louis (CHRSL), Senegal. Material and Methods: This was a retrospective, descriptive study conducted over a seven-year period, from February 5, 2019, to March 6, 2025. It included all cases of foreign bodies located in the upper aerodigestive tract and the external auditory canal recorded in the ENT department of CHRSL. Results: A total of 340 cases were recorded, accounting for 1.46% of all consultations during the study period. The majority of cases involved children (82.94%), with a mean age of 11.41 years. Contrary to common trends, a female predominance was observed, with a sex ratio of 0.98. The most frequently affected site was the ear (46,5%), followed by the nasal cavity and the pharynx. The nature of the foreign bodies varied widely, with beads being the most common (18.5%). Organic materials, particularly of plant origin, represented the majority of cases (67.4%). Most foreign bodies (81.18%) were removed in the outpatient clinic, while 18.82% required extraction under general anesthesia in the operating room, mainly using endoscopic techniques. Conclusion: ENT foreign bodies remain a common issue in daily medical practice, particularly in children. Their management requires prompt intervention, appropriate equipment, and trained medical personnel. Prevention through public awareness and parental education remains the most effective approach to reduce incidence.

Keywords:

Keywords: Foreign bodies; ENT; CHRSL; Diversity

Citation:

Diallo OA, Tall H, Sylla S, Diallo KP, Bah MC, Diallo AO, et al. Prevalence and Diversity of Ear, Nose, and Throat Foreign Bodies at the Saint-Louis Regional Hospital (Senegal). Am J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2026; 8(1): 1268..