Ultrasound guided removal of an airgun pellet from a patient's right cheek

Dentomaxillofac Radiol. 2008 Dec;37(8):473-6. doi: 10.1259/dmfr/55307373.

Abstract

This case report describes the use of real-time intraoperative ultrasonography to guide the removal of an airgun pellet embedded in the right cheek of a 20-year-old man. This patient had previously undergone two unsuccessful surgical attempts to have this pellet removed via blind exploration. Through the use of ultrasonography, the pellet's positional relationship throughout the procedure was accurately defined with respect to important soft and hard anatomical structures, as well as to the surgical instruments used, enabling its very efficient removal. This technique is safe, easy, cost effective and accurate, and thus minimizes post-operative morbidity and the risk of surgical complications.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Cheek / injuries*
  • Cheek / surgery
  • Dissection / methods
  • Feedback
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Foreign Bodies / diagnostic imaging
  • Foreign Bodies / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mouth Mucosa / injuries
  • Mouth Mucosa / surgery
  • Ultrasonography, Interventional*
  • Wounds, Gunshot / diagnostic imaging
  • Wounds, Gunshot / surgery*
  • Young Adult