Transnasal Endoscopic Retrieval of a Metallic Intraorbital Intraconal Foreign Body Facilitated by an Intraoperative Magnetic Stick

Abstract Here, we report the case of an intraorbital intraconal foreign body that was successfully retrieved by a transnasal endoscopic approach facilitated intraoperatively by a magnetic stick. A 36-year-old man was admitted to our unit with a left-sided intraorbital intraconal metallic foreign body. Following 2 failed attempts via a transconjunctiva approach, we finally recovered the foreign body using transnasal endoscopic surgery. During this procedure, a magnetic stick was used to help us locate and successfully remove the foreign body, grapeshot measuring approximately 0.5 cm in diameter. Visual acuity in the injured eye increased from 0.01 preoperatively to 0.04 6 days after surgical intervention. There were no complications. We therefore propose that in selected patients, the endoscopic transnasal approach is an effective, safe and minimally invasive approach for the removal of intraorbital intraconal foreign bodies. The intraoperative use of a magnet can facilitate the successful location and removal of magnetic metallic foreign bodies.