Microscopic removal of a foreign body

The feeling of a lump, scratching, or discomfort while swallowing may indicate a serious issue such as a foreign body in the throat. Whether it’s a piece of food, a bone, or a small object, this condition requires careful and prompt evaluation by a specialist. At Dr Prlja Medical in Belgrade, the examination and removal of a foreign body are performed under a microscope, using modern equipment and a painless technique. Our team of ENT doctors treats each patient with care and professionalism. Don’t wait for the symptoms to worsen or cause complications. Schedule your appointment today and resolve the discomfort quickly and stress-free.

Do you feel a lump or scratching sensation? You could have a foreign body in the throat

The sensation of a lump or scratching in the throat may be a sign of a foreign body, such as food particles, bones, seeds, or small objects that get stuck in the throat area. It most commonly occurs in children, the elderly, and those who eat quickly or wear dentures. Such conditions require a careful ENT throat examination, as they can cause pain, coughing, or difficulty swallowing.

Symptoms that suggest you may have a foreign body in your throat

Difficulty swallowing is often the first sign that you may have a foreign body in your throat. Persistent coughing, hoarseness, or even choking can occur when the object irritates the vocal cords or triggers a cough reflex. Clear signs that prompt medical evaluation is needed include:

• Pain while swallowing
• Bleeding
• Elevated body temperature

Symptoms that last longer without a clear cause may indicate a more complex situation, such as laryngitis (inflammation of the vocal cords), reflux, or a psychosomatic condition. These require a detailed ENT diagnosis.

Can a foreign body move and disappear on its own?

In some cases, a smaller fragment of a foreign body can pass through the esophagus and reach the stomach without consequences. However, this is unpredictable and potentially dangerous. A foreign body can remain in the throat for days and then:

• Cause inflammation
• Create an abscess
• Cause micro damage to the mucous membrane

Relying on a natural “passage” is a common mistake that leads patients to delay seeing a doctor. It is even riskier to attempt removal at home. Swallowing dry food, carbonated drinks, or trying to cough violently can worsen the situation. Such actions often push the object deeper, making its later removal under a microscope more difficult.

If you suspect a foreign body in your throat, the safest option is to schedule an ENT examination, during which a specialist can check if there is cause for concern.

How is the removal of a foreign body performed?

hen the presence of a foreign body in the throat is confirmed, removal is carried out in controlled conditions at our clinic, using modern diagnostic equipment. The procedure begins with a light microscopic or endoscopic examination to precisely locate the foreign body. After identification, local anesthesia is administered to make the intervention as comfortable and painless as possible. The removal procedure depends on the type and position of the foreign body. The following are most commonly used:

• Continuous microscopic monitoring, allowing clear visibility of the object’s position without damaging surrounding tissue.
• ENT instruments such as bayonet forceps, curved graspers, or aspirators.
• Local anesthesia in the form of a spray (lidocaine), ensuring that the patient feels no pain and minimizing the cough reflex..

Only mild pressure and possibly a feeling of discomfort can be felt, but not pain. The entire procedure usually lasts between 10 and 20 minutes, and after that, the patient stays for a few more minutes for observation and monitoring.

In rare cases, if the object is very deep, sharp, or cannot be safely removed on an outpatient basis, the patient will be referred for hospital treatment under general anesthesia. However, in many cases, the removal is successfully completed immediately without the need for hospitalization. There is a special procedure for children and the elderly – for children, care is taken to reduce fear and speed up the procedure, while for the elderly, chronic illnesses and reduced reflexes are taken into account.

Post-procedure therapy

After the removal of the foreign body, our team of ENT specialists assesses the mucous membrane to immediately determine if further measures are needed. Post-procedure therapy usually includes:

• Local therapy – Using antiseptic sprays or lozenges to soothe the throat and support the regeneration of damaged mucous membranes.
• Systemic therapy – In case of swelling, irritation, or the risk of infection, antibiotics and/or anti-inflammatory medications are prescribed.

Most patients can return home immediately after the procedure. A follow-up examination is usually scheduled after 1 to 2 weeks to confirm that all changes have resolved and that the mucous membrane is fully healed. During this examination, the doctor will examine the throat under a microscope and check for any secondary infections, new inflammations, or scar tissue.

Resolve the throat issue in time and prevent more serious complications

If you suspect you have a foreign body in the throat, timely intervention is key. At Dr. Prlja Medical Clinic in Belgrade, you receive complete ENT diagnostics under a microscope, including examination, foreign body removal, and post-procedure care. Our approachable and dedicated team, combined with years of experience and continuous improvement in ENT diagnostics, makes us a reliable choice for such procedures. Don’t wait for the condition to worsen. Self-attempts can lead to serious complications. Schedule your appointment today and resolve your discomfort quickly, precisely, and stress-free.