Drill bit pierces worker's nasal cavity

A 27-year-old worker, Le, was operating a rock drill when the drill bit dislodged and pierced his nasal cavity, causing severe blood loss and putting him in critical condition.

On 5/8, a representative of Thanh Hoa Provincial General Hospital reported that the patient, Le, was initially treated at a local medical facility before being transferred to the hospital in critical condition with the drill bit still lodged in his nasal cavity.

A CT scan revealed an 8 cm hook-shaped metal object embedded in his right nasal cavity. The object had completely pierced the nasal septum and lodged in his left nasal cavity. The lower turbinate was severely torn, and the entire septum was perforated.

X-ray image showing the drill bit deeply embedded in the patient's nasal cavity. Photo: Hospital provided

X-ray image showing the drill bit deeply embedded in the patient's nasal cavity. Photo: Hospital provided

Dr. Nguyen Van Hoa, head of the emergency surgical team, said the biggest challenge in removing the object was its hook-like shape. Incorrect handling could have further torn the nasal tissues, damaged adjacent structures, and caused massive, uncontrollable bleeding. After 40 minutes, the surgical team successfully and safely removed the drill bit.

"This was a rare surgical case. Fortunately, the drill bit missed critical structures in the skull base and the eyeball by just a few millimeters," Dr. Hoa said.

After more than a week of intensive treatment, the patient recovered well, his vital signs stabilized, and he was discharged.