When “Stay” Sutures Stay

Abstract

Chronic airway foreign bodies represent a rare and challenging entity faced by otolaryngologists. Herein, we describe the case of an adult woman found to have a 17 cm-long internalized tracheostomy stay suture retained 2 years after decannulation. Thorough evaluation and contingency planning allowed for safe and successful removal of this novel airway foreign body. The selective use of stay sutures in adult tracheostomies and proper peri-operative care may have prevented its incidence.