A Unique Ear Foreign Body: A Thorny Issue

Abstract

Foreign body in the external auditory canal is one of the most common problems encountered in otorhinolaryngology clinics. It could become a medical emergency based on the type of the foreign body and its removal requires skillful expertise and specific instruments. We report 3 cases of thorny rattan shoots lodged in the ear canal. The unique arrangement of the thorns made the removal procedure complicated. Apart from mastering the manoeuver, knowledge about the nature of the foreign body itself is essential to avoid further harm.