Shotgun bullet in the pterygopalatine fossa

Shotgun wounds to the face can cause damaging functional and aesthetic consequences for patients. The concern also increases that there are important blood vessels and nerves associated with significant functions of the body. There is no common agreement with regards removing or keeping shotgun bullets in body. Mostly the removal of projectiles is recommended. In this report, we present a case of a 16-year-old male patient who suffered from accidental shotgun wounds on the face caused by air-pressure weapon. In the first visit to our clinic the bullet was lodged in the pterygopalatine fossa (PPF) and there were no symptoms such as poisoning, fistula formation, recurrent infections or primary haemorrhage. However, fifteen days later faced the Patient epistaxis. The case managed successfully after embolization of maxillary artery and then an operation was made to remove the bullet.

Publication History

Publication Date:
18 April 2018 (online)