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Removal of superglue from the external ear using acetone: case report and literature review

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 June 2007

Wedad F. Abadir ,
Venice Nakhla  and
Philomina Chong
Wedad F. Abadir*
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, West Middlesex University Hospital, Isleworth, Middlesex, UK.
Venice Nakhla
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, West Middlesex University Hospital, Isleworth, Middlesex, UK.
Philomina Chong
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, West Middlesex University Hospital, Isleworth, Middlesex, UK.
*
Miss W. F. Abadir, F.R.C.S., E.N.T. Department, West Middlesex University Hospital, Twickenham Road, Isleworth, Middlesex TW7 6AF. Fax: 0181 991 1548.
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Abstract

The ability of superglue preparations (cyanoacrylate) to bond instantly to skin as well as inanimate objects presents a special problem when instilled into the external ear canal. We present two cases of patients who had it successfully removed under the microscope with the help of acetone BP to debond it from the skin, without any damage to the meatus or the tympanic membrane. The third patient had the superglue removed without the help of acetone but sustained damage to the tympanic membrane. A literature review of similar cases is included.

Keywords

Ear canalForeign bodyCyanoacrylatesAcetone
Type
Clinical Records
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 109 , Issue 12 , December 1995 , pp. 1219 - 1221
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 1995

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References

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