Perforation of the gastrointestinal tract secondary to ingestion of foreign bodies

Management of a patient with autism following ingestion of a foreign body

Patients with autism often find admission to hospital an anxious time. Awareness of the condition, a speedy diagnosis and flexibility in adapting treatment plans will facilitate early discharge and return to their familiar environment. We describe a patient with severe autism who presented with an acute abdomen secondary to ingestion of a foreign body which required laparotomy. Communication directly to medical staff was greatly limited due to severe autism and close liaison with family members was essential in interpreting scant clinical signs. At the time of surgery a rubber bottle teat was found causing transection of small bowel due to erosion of the foreign body. The postoperative course was fraught with challenges and ensuring side room nursing care with family members present throughout his admission minimised postoperative stress and confusion. We recommend awareness of management strategies for patients with autism to ensure rapid recovery and early discharge home.

Gastric perforation by a foreign body presenting as a pancreatic pseudotumour

INTRODUCTION

Foreign body ingestion rarely causes complications, though it can pose a significant diagnostic challenge. Perforation, particularly of more muscular viscera, can present insidiously with a wide range of differential diagnoses.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

Here we present a case of 75 year-old woman presenting with chest and epigastric pain. Initial imaging suggested a pancreatic lesion. Despite appropriate treatment she deteriorated clinically, and following urgent laparotomy a duck bone fragment was found to have perforated the lesser curvature of the stomach and embedded within the liver causing subhepatic abscess formation and associated inflammation.

DISCUSSION

There are a number of examples of insidious presentations of gastrointestinal perforation. However, we have found only one other case of a perforation presenting as a pancreatic pseudotumour, and ours is the first to have been successfully managed by removal of the foreign body and drainage of the abscess alone.

CONCLUSION

A high level of suspicion is required to make the correct diagnosis in cases such as these where the symptoms are not clear-cut. Thorough review and discussion of imaging prior to surgical treatment is essential to prevent unnecessary intervention.

An unusual case of duodenal perforation caused by a lollipop stick: a case report

Most ingested foreign bodies often pass through the gastrointestinal tract uneventfully; however, complications such as perforation do occur. Most cases of perforation are caused by thin, pointed objects such as needles, toothpicks, or fish and chicken bones. Herein, we report an unusual case of duodenal perforation caused by a lollipop stick with blunt ends. A 23-year-old woman was admitted to the emergency department complaining of epigastric and right upper quadrant pain for the last 2 days. Abdominal computed tomography scans confirmed the presence of a foreign body in the duodenum, with signs of duodenal perforation and inflammation. The patient was not aware of ingesting the foreign body. Endoscopy revealed the presence of a lollipop stick in the duodenum, which was removed with forceps. The duodenal perforation was successfully managed by using hemoclips and a detachable snare.

Fish bone perforation of the terminal ileum presenting as acute appendicitis

We report a case of a bowel perforation due to a fish bone that presented as an acute abdomen. This patient's gastrointestinal perforation was treated with laparoscopic and open technique. Diagnosis can be difficult as foreign body bowel perforation can mimic other causes of acute abdomen. Diagnosis is still most commonly made intraoperatively. Laparoscopy proved useful in this case as it allowed the most appropriate surgical approach to be made.

Peritonitis with small bowel perforation caused by a fish bone in a healthy patient

Perforation of the gastrointestinal tract by ingested foreign bodies is extremely rare in otherwise healthy patients, accounting for < 1% of cases. Accidentally ingested foreign bodies could cause small bowel perforation through a hernia sac, Meckel’s diverticulum, or the appendix, all of which are uncommon. Despite their sharp ends and elongated shape, bowel perforation caused by ingested fish bones is rarely reported, particularly in patients without intestinal disease. We report a case of 57-year-old female who visited the emergency room with periumbilical pain and no history of underlying intestinal disease or intra-abdominal surgery. Abdominal computed tomography and exploratory laparotomy revealed a small bowel micro-perforation with a 2.7-cm fish bone penetrating the jejunal wall.

Gradual colonic impaction of a chicken bone associated with inflammatory pseudotumor formation and nonocclusive colon ischemia

Foreign body (FB) ingestion is a common clinical problem and most FBs pass through the gastrointestinal tract without the need for intervention. A wide spectrum of clinical presentations may be possible and these can be either acute or chronic. We present a case of an 83-year-old woman featuring insidious abdominal discomfort who was hospitalized in our institution due to worsening symptoms. She underwent contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) evaluation which showed the presence of a significant parietal thickening of the transverse and descending colon, a mesenteric loose tissue imbibition, venous engorgement, and no filling defect of visceral arteries, suggesting a condition of nonocclusive colon ischemia. A hyperdense FB was identified in the sigma and was associated with a small pseudotumoral mass. The patient underwent surgical exploration which confirmed the hypoperfusional state of the colon, showing the presence of a chicken bone perforating the sigma and lying in the context of a pseudotumoral mass. Our experience shows how contrast-enhanced CT is feasible and can be strongly recommended as a first-line imaging tool on suspicion of colon ischemia and also how it can easily identify the underlying cause, in our case a FB sealed perforation of the sigma with pseudotumoral mass formation.

T. Multidetector-row computed tomography in the preoperative diagnosis of intestinal complications caused by clinically unsuspected ingested dietary foreign bodies: a case series emphasizing the use of volume rendering techniques

Objective The present study was aimed at describing a case series where a preoperative diagnosis of intestinal complications secondary to accidentally ingested dietary foreign bodies was made by multidetector-row computed tomography (MDCT), with emphasis on complementary findings yielded by volume rendering techniques (VRT) and curved multiplanar reconstructions (MPR). Materials and Methods The authors retrospectively assessed five patients with surgically confirmed intestinal complications (perforation and /or obstruction) secondary to unsuspected ingested dietary foreign bodies, consecutively assisted in their institution between 2010 and 2012. Demographic, clinical, laboratory and radiological data were analyzed. VRT and curved MPR were subsequently performed. Results Preoperative diagnosis of intestinal complications was originally performed in all cases. In one case the presence of a foreign body was not initially identified as the causal factor, and the use of complementary techniques facilitated its retrospective identification. In all cases these tools allowed a better depiction of the entire foreign bodies on a single image section, contributing to the assessment of their morphology. Conclusion Although the use of complementary techniques has not had a direct impact on diagnostic performance in most cases of this series, they may provide a better depiction of foreign bodies' morphology on a single image section.

Ingested bone fragment in the bowel: Two cases and a review of the literature

Generally, ingested foreign bodies are excreted from the digestive tract without any complications or morbidity. In adults, ingestion of foreign bodies frequently occurs in alcoholics and elderly individuals with dentures. The most commonly ingested foreign bodies are food stuffs or their parts, such as fish bones or fragments of bone and phytobezoars. Sharp foreign bodies like fish and chicken bones can lead to intestinal perforation and peritonitis. We report herein two cases, one of bowel perforation and another of anal impaction, both caused by ingested bone fragments. Complications due to ingested bone fragments are not common and preoperative diagnosis remains a challenge and therefore it must be considered in susceptible cases.

'Crohn'z meanz Heinz': foreign body inflammatory mass mimicking Crohn's disease

The authors present a patient with a presumed diagnosis of Crohn's disease for 6 years turning out to be an unusual inflammatory mass caused by ileal perforation due to a foreign body. When surgical intervention became necessary for admissions with recurrent obstruction, laparoscopy revealed an inflammatory mass in the terminal ileum, exposing two pieces of plastic bearing the word 'Heinz'. Resection of the inflammatory mass led to the complete resolution of symptoms. Histology from the operative specimen showed no features of Crohn's disease. There were no granulomas and no fissuring ulcers. This case highlights that an inflammatory mass in the small intestine caused by the perforation of ingested foreign body can mimic Crohn's disease. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a synthetic plastic packaging causing ileo-caecal junctional perforation mimicking Crohn's disease.

An unusual cause of duodenal perforation due to a lollipop stick

Children have a natural tendency to explore objects with their mouths; this can result in the swallowing of foreign objects. Most ingested foreign bodies pass uneventfully through the gastrointestinal tract. However, some foreign bodies cause obstruction or perforation of the gastrointestinal tract, requiring surgical intervention. Perforation of the gastrointestinal tract may be associated with considerable morbidity and mortality. The most common sites of intestinal foreign body perforation are the ileocecal and rectosigmoid regions. Foreign body perforation of the duodenum is relatively uncommon. We report the first Korean case of duodenal perforation by an ingested 8-cm lollipop stick. Lollipops are popular with the children and fairly accessible to them, as most parents are not aware of their potential harm. Pediatric clinicians should be aware of the risks associated with lollipop stick ingestion. Our report also describes the feasibility and safety of laparoscopic diagnosis and management of pediatric patients with peritonitis induced by the ingestion of foreign bodies.

Duodenal perforation caused by a bird feather

Ingestion of gastrointestinal (GI) foreign bodies represents a challenging clinical scenario. The greater risk is at extremes of age, in those wearing dentures, alcoholics and mentally handicapped. We present a case of duodenal perforation caused by a bird feather. A 64-year-old man was presented with abdominal pain for 4 days. Abdominal examination showed signs of peritonitis. The erect abdominal x-ray showed free gas under diaphragm. Exploratory laparotomy showed purulent fluid, but no definite site of perforation could be found. So the abdomen was closed with a drain in Morison's pouch. The postoperative recovery was uneventful. He came for a repeat check-up at 4 weeks with dull aching pain in the upper abdomen and was advised for a routine upper GI endoscopy which revealed a feather penetrating the first part of the duodenum, which was removed with a foreign body removing forceps. GI foreign bodies represent a significant problem and an increased level of suspicion is important for timely diagnosis and treatment.

Non-specific abdominal pain, an inconclusive CT scan and an unusual and puzzling finding at exploratory laparotomy

A 71-year-old man presented to our hospital with generalised abdominal pain. Initial laboratory investigations were normal and an abdominal CT scan was inconclusive. The following day, persisting pain, generalised tenderness and haemodynamic instability prompted exploratory laparotomy. At laparotomy, two perforations of the proximal jejunum were identified caused by two 3 cm pieces of wood. The pieces of wood were retrieved and the perforations repaired primarily. The postoperative period was complicated by acute confusion but the patient went on to make a full recovery. On direct questioning, the patient was unable to explain the presence of wood within his gastrointestinal tract. One hypothesis was that he may have ingested this material during a period of acute confusion following an elective abdominal aortic aneurysm repair 8 years previously.

Medical treatment for a fish bone-induced ileal micro-perforation: A case report

Ingested fish bone induced intestinal perforations are seldom diagnosed preoperatively due to incomplete patient history taking and difficulties in image evidence identification. Most literature suggests early surgical intervention to prevent sepsis and complications resulting from fish bone migrations. We report the case of a 44-year-old man suffered from acute abdomen induced by a fish bone micro-perforation. The diagnosis was supported by computed tomography (CT) imaging of fish bone lodged in distal ileum and a history of fish ingestion recalled by the patient. Medical treatment was elected to manage the patient’s condition instead of surgical intervention. The treatment resulted in a complete resolution of abdominal pain on hospital day number 4 without complication. Factors affecting clinical treatment decisions include the nature of micro-perforation, the patient’s good overall health condition, and the early diagnosis before sepsis signs develop. Micro-perforation means the puncture of intestine wall without CT evidence of free air, purulent peritoneum or abscess. We subsequently reviewed the literature to support our decision to pursue medical instead of surgical intervention.

Liver abscess and pseudotumoral gastric lesion caused by chicken bone perforation: laparoscopic management

The accidental ingestion of a foreign body into the gastrointestinal tract is not uncommon, but the vast majority of foreign bodies pass through the gastrointestinal tract uneventfully within a week. Less than 1% of patients with foreign body ingestion develop complications such as perforation of the gastrointestinal tract. The migration of an ingested foreign body may result in chronic inflammation, a silent clinical course, and radiological features suggestive of a neoplasm. The authors report a case of chicken bone perforation of the gastric wall that leads to hepatic abscess formation and thereafter to submucosal pseudotumor of the gastric wall treated with totally laparoscopic management. Usefulness of endoscopic ultrasonography for a correct diagnosis is also stressed.

Foreign body-induced abscess resembling pancreatic neoplasia

We report the case of a 44-year-old man presenting with abdominal pain and leukocytosis. His initial computed tomography demonstrated a pancreatic head mass concerning for pancreatic adenocarcinoma. However, on further review of the patient's imaging, the mass was determined to be an abscess caused by foreign body ingestion and gastric perforation rather than cancer. This report describes the clinical and radiographic distinctions between pancreatic neoplasia and abscess. It also reviews the pertinent medical literature on how such viscus perforations affect subsequent prognostication and clinical management.

Chicken bone perforation of an irreducible inguinal hernia: a case report and review of the literature

Foreign bodies causing perforation of hernias are extremely uncommon with only a few cases reported in the literature. Here, we present a case of a patient with ingestion of a foreign body, which was initially managed expectantly but developed a perforation due to the foreign body impacting and causing perforation of an irreducible inguinal hernia. Management of this condition usually involves resection of the involved loop of bowel with repair of the hernia defect at the time of surgery. Patients with ingested foreign bodies who have irreducible hernias have altered anatomy and should be considered for early surgical intervention to prevent complications.

Ingested fish bone: an unusual mechanism of duodenal perforation and pancreatic trauma

Ingestion of gastrointestinal foreign bodies represents a challenging clinical scenario. Increased morbidity is the price for the delayed diagnosis of complications and timely treatment. We present a case of 57-year-old female patient which was admitted in the emergency room department complaining of a mid-epigastric pain over the last twenty-four hours. Based on the patient's history, physical examination and elevated serum amylase levels, a false diagnosis of pancreatitis, was initially adopted. However, a CT scan confirmed the presence of a radiopaque foreign body in the pancreatic head and the presence of air bubbles outside the intestinal lumen. The patient was unaware of the ingestion of the foreign body. At laparotomy, after an oblique duodenotomy, a fish bone pinned in the pancreatic head after the penetration of the medial aspect of the second portion of the duodenal wall was identified and successfully removed. The patient had an uneventful postoperative recovery. Wide variation in clinical presentation characterizes the complicated fish bone ingestions. The strategically located site of penetration in the visceral wall is responsible for the often extraordinary gastrointestinal tract injury patterns. Increased level of suspicion is of paramount importance for the timely diagnosis and treatment.

Migration of a fish bone into the right renal vein

We describe a patient in whom a fish bone penetrated the duodenum and migrated into the right renal vein. The bone was successfully removed with surgery. The 75-year-old man was admitted to Nippon Medical School Tama Nagayama Hospital because of right upper abdominal pain persisting for 7 days. The patient's medical history was not relevant to the current disorder. Plain radiography showed no abnormalities. Computed tomography revealed a linear object of high intensity that had penetrated the duodenum and migrated into the right renal vein with thrombus. The object was surrounded by a low-density area, suggesting severe inflammation. The patient had eaten fish 1 day before the onset of abdominal pain. We diagnosed duodenal penetration caused by an ingested fish bone. Endoscopic examination showed erosion, but no fish bone or ulceration was detected in the duodenum. The patient was treated conservatively with fasting, peripheral parental nutrition, and intravenous antibiotics. Three days after admission, non-contrast-enhanced computed tomography showed no movement of the foreign body. The patient continued to have pain, and the decision was made to surgically explore the abdomen. Intraoperative ultrasonography showed that the foreign body had migrated completely into the right renal vein with thrombus. Severe inflammation of the right renal vein was observed. Because we could not remove the foreign body without seriously injuring the right renal vein, right nephrectomy was performed. Macroscopic examination of the surgical specimen confirmed the presence of a fish bone with thrombus in the right renal vein. The patient was discharged 9 days after operation, with no complications.

Pseudotumor of the omentum associated with migration of the ingested crab-leg

Foreign body ingestion is not uncommon in clinical practice, and it may occasionally lead to penetration injuries. Emergency physicians and radiologists sometimes fail to obtain complete histories including ingestion and may overlook the possibility of foreign body-induced complications. Herein, we report a case of stomach antrum perforation due to foreign body migration. We were unaware of the patient's history of eating the Korean delicacy "Kanjang-gaejang," which is raw crab seasoned with soy sauce. Several imaging diagnostic modalities had suggested the possibility of a malignant mass in the gastrocolic ligament area. During the operation, a crab leg was discovered as the cause of an intra-abdominal abscess. The patient underwent an antrectomy, a vagotomay, and a transverse colon wedge resection. We present this unusual case of a pseudotumorous lesion caused by ingestion of Kanjang-gaejang.

Transluminal migration of ingested foreign body without peritonitis

The authors present 2 cases of transluminal migration of an ingested foreign body into the peritoneal cavity without causing peritonitis. Clinical and radiologic features and surgical approach are described, focusing on the absence of an acute abdomen in transluminal migration and the use of laparoscopy in achieving extraction of the foreign object.

["Atypical" anemia in a geriatric patient]

A gastroenterologic examination was performed on an 83-year-old woman due to unexplained anemia; however, no bleeding site could be identified. Because of the advanced age of the patient, no further diagnostic efforts were made and iron-deficiency anemia was suspected. After 3 weeks, an emergency laparotomy was performed for acute diffuse peritonitis, which was diagnosed as perforation of the jejunum by a wooden foreign body. After extraction of the foreign body and closure of the perforation in the small intestine, healing proceeded without complications.

Bacterial peritonitis due to duodenal perforation by a fish bone in an elderly peritoneal dialysis patient

The patient, a 77-year-old-man, began peritoneal dialysis (PD) in August 2005. In January 2009, he developed lower abdominal pain and cloudy PD effluent. A diagnosis of peritonitis was made and Escherichia coli was detected in cultures of the PD effluent. An abdominal computed tomography scan showed a fish bone in the duodenal wall. An upper gastrointestinal endoscopy was performed, and a 3-cm fish bone was removed. We thus recommend careful investigation with the possibility of enteric peritonitis from the intestinal tract when E. coli is detected in effluent cultures during PD.

Small bowel perforation secondary to accidental dental plate ingestion

The majority of ingested foreign bodies will pass through the gastrointestinal tract without incident, with less than 1% of cases resulting in complications. Herein we present a case of small bowel perforation secondary to the accidental ingestion of a dental plate. A diagnosis of perforation was made by CT imaging, but the exact cause could only be determined after resection of the affected bowel and histo-pathological examination. We re-iterate the importance of accurate and thorough history taking in patients with possible foreign body ingestion.

Unusual presentation of gastric perforation by foreign body: a case report

Perforation of the gastrointestinal tract by ingested foreign body is rare. The majority of patients do not recall ingestion of the foreign body, and dietary foreign bodies are most commonly involved. We present an interesting case where the offending foreign body gave rise to a diagnostic dilemma masquerading as a pancreatic mass. A high index of suspicion is indicated especially when dealing with atypical presentation and nonspecific symptoms as highlighted in this case.

A misdiagnosed cause of chronic pelvic pain: abscess with foreign body

OBJECTIVE

Chronic pelvic pain may present a diagnostic challenge.

SETTING

Academic tertiary care center.

DESIGN

Case report.

CASE REPORT

A 46-year-old woman presented with pain on micturition and a 15-month history of right-sided pelvic pain aggravated by an abdominal massage. Her course and outcome, aided by use of computed tomography (CT) scan, is described, identifying a 6-cm, mass-like lesion in the right lower quadrant enclosing an ambiguous linear calcified lesion, which on laparotomy revealed a fish bone embedded in a section of the terminal ileum and the perivesical area.

CONCLUSION

Chronic pelvic pain refractory to treatment merits consideration of CT to examine for foreign body.

Role of endoscopic sonography in the diagnosis of a fish bone perforation of the gastric wall resulting in a submucosal pseudotumor

We report the case of a 72-year-old woman with a fish bone-induced granulation tissue in the gastric wall that was initially diagnosed as a submucosal tumor by panendoscopy. High-frequency endoscopic ultrasonography identified the linear calcified fish bone embedded in a heterogeneous mass.

Accidental finding of a toothpick in the porta hepatis during laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a case report

Introduction

Unintentional ingestion of a toothpick is not an uncommon event. Often the ingested toothpicks spontaneously pass through the gut without sequelae. However, serious complications can happen when these sharp objects migrate through the gastrointestinal wall.

Case presentation

In the current report, we describe the case of a 37-year-old Caucasian woman with an incidental finding of a toothpick in the porta hepatis during laparoscopic cholecystectomy for symptomatic gall stones.

Conclusion

Toothpick ingestion is not an uncommon event and can predispose patients to serious complications. In this particular case, the toothpick was only discovered at the time of unrelated surgery. Therefore, it was important during surgery to exclude any related or missed injury to the adjacent structures by this sharp object.

Small bowel perforation secondary to fish bone ingestion managed non-operatively

BACKGROUND

The presurgical diagnosis of foreign body (FB)-induced bowel perforation is exceedingly difficult. Perforation most commonly occurs in the ileocecal region and typically mimics diagnoses more common to the right lower quadrant (RLQ), including appendicitis and diverticulitis.

OBJECTIVES

This report will discuss the events of this particular case of fish bone ingestion and subsequent small bowel perforation and the epidemiology, diagnosis, and management of FB ingestions.

CASE REPORT

This case describes a 28-year-old man who presents with a 4-h history of sharp, stabbing abdominal pain localized to the RLQ. Abdominal computed tomography revealed a 1.5-cm curvilinear foreign body traversing through a loop of small bowel in the RLQ. Upon further questioning, the patient recalled eating northern pike 2 days before. During his hospital stay, the patient noted improvement of his symptoms and thus was managed non-operatively without complication. The patient was discharged after complete resolution of his abdominal pain on hospital day number 2.

CONCLUSION

This represents a rare case of small bowel perforation secondary to fish bone ingestion that was managed non-operatively without complication.

Fish bone penetration of the duodenum extending into the pancreas: report of a case

We report a case of fish bone penetration of the duodenum extending into the pancreatic head, which was successfully treated by surgery. A 73-year-old woman was admitted with upper abdominal dull pain that had persisted for 3 days. Computed tomography showed a linear calcified body, which appeared to penetrate the posterior wall of the duodenal bulb into the pancreatic head. A laparotomy was performed based on the preoperative diagnosis of localized peritonitis caused by penetration of the duodenum into the pancreas by an ingested foreign body. The foreign body was safely removed from both the pancreas and duodenum and was found to be a fish bone, measuring 4 cm in length. Neither an abscess nor hematoma was detected at the site of the pancreatic head. The postoperative course was uneventful. This case demonstrates an unusual presentation of fish bone penetration of the duodenum with a migration to the pancreas.

Migrated foreign body liver abscess: illustrative case report, systematic review, and proposed diagnostic algorithm

Pyogenic liver abscess is a severe condition and a therapeutic challenge. Treatment failure may be due to an unrecognized ingested foreign body that migrated from the gastrointestinal tract. There has recently been a marked increase in the number of reported cases of this condition, but initial misdiagnosis as cryptogenic liver abscess still occurs in the majority of cases. We conducted the current study to characterize this entity and provide a diagnostic strategy applicable worldwide. To this end, data were collected from our case and from a systematic review that identified 59 well-described cases. Another systematic review identified series of cryptogenic-and Asian Klebsiella-liver abscess; these data were pooled and compared with the data from the cases of migrated foreign body liver abscess. The review points out the low diagnostic accuracy of history taking, modern imaging, and even surgical exploration. A fistula found through imaging procedures or endoscopy warrants surgical exploration. Findings suggestive of foreign body migration are symptoms of gastrointestinal perforation, computed tomography demonstration of a thickened gastrointestinal wall in continuity with the abscess, and adhesions seen during surgery. Treatment failure, left lobe location, unique location (that is, only 1 abscess location within the liver), and absence of underlying conditions also point to the diagnosis, as shown by comparison with the cryptogenic liver abscess series. This study demonstrates that migrated foreign body liver abscess is a specific entity, increasingly reported. It usually is not cured when unrecognized, and diagnosis is mainly delayed. This study provides what we consider the best available evidence for timely diagnosis with worldwide applicability. Increased awareness is required to treat this underestimated condition effectively, and further studies are needed.

Fish bone-related intra-abdominal abscess in an elderly patient

Foreign body ingestion is not an uncommon problem encountered in clinical practice. The accidental ingestion of fish bones may sometimes lead to penetration injuries with complicating abscess formation. The ingestion of foreign bodies results in gastrointestinal perforation in about 1% of patients. Fish bones are the most commonly seen objects leading to bowel perforation. Fish bones are usually invisible on plain films. A computed tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen is helpful to determine the cause of unexplained and persistent abdominal pain. If encapsulated abscess formation cannot be completely resolved by CT-guided drainage, surgical intervention should proceed to prevent profound sepsis. We present the case of a 75-year-old man who had fever and left lower abdominal pain. CT showed a hypodense lesion with a linear foreign body in the abdomen. An intra-abdominal abscess was diagnosed and after surgical intervention, a foreign body, which proved to be a fish bone, was removed. The man could not remember swallowing this bone.

Laparoscopic removal of bone fragment causing localized peritonitis by intestinal perforation: a report of 2 cases

The ingestion of sharp bone structures such as fish and chicken bones could cause peritonitis by penetration of the intestinal tract. However, the precise diagnosis of this occurrence is rarely made preoperatively because most patients do not remember ingesting such materials and the clinical symptoms are usually nonspecific. Laparoscopy provides an accurate diagnosis for most conditions involving acute abdominal problems. This procedure can be used as a diagnostic tool for peritonitis due to ingested foreign bodies and become a treatment modality without requiring a laparotomy. Here, we report 2 cases in which patients presented with localized peritonitis. With the laparoscopic procedure, we found the peritonitis to be the result of sharp bones perforating the intestinal tract. The bones were successfully removed laparoscopically, and the 2 patients fully recovered without complication.

Surgical removal of a tea spoon from the ascending colon, ten years after ingestion: a case report

INTRODUCTION

The presentation of ingested foreign bodies in the gastrointestinal system is common in the emergency setting. The majority responds to conservative management and passes spontaneously; however, giant foreign bodies pose a management difficulty. We report a peculiar case of a giant foreign body (spoon) that presented very late after ingestion and the management of this presentation.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 30-year-old British white male barrister presented with abdominal pain 10 years after he swallowed a spoon that never passed spontaneously. His workup revealed the spoon lodged in his ascending colon. Laparoscopic retrieval was not feasible so a laparotomy was done for retrieval. He did well and went home with no complications.

CONCLUSION

Symptomatic giant ingested foreign bodies represent a management challenge sometimes and usually necessitate surgical intervention when all conservative means fail. We review the literature on management of giant ingested foreign bodies.

Endoscopic removal of a toothpick perforating the sigmoid colon and causing chronic abdominal pain: a case report

Toothpick ingestion is implicated in gut injuries which may cause severe complications, mimicking diseases causing acute abdomen. However, toothpick ingestion-related perforation may also cause mild, non-specific gastrointestinal symptoms without significant findings or major complications. We describe a young male with chronic postprandial lower abdominal pain caused by a toothpick impaction at the rectosigmoid junction after inadvertent ingestion. The foreign body was detected and successfully removed during flexible sigmoidoscopy. Perforation due to foreign body ingestion must be considered in the differential diagnosis in patients presenting with unexplained symptoms and findings, even when they do not recall any foreign body ingestion.

[Safety of conservative treatment of gastric perforation due to fish bone ingestion]

Intake of foreign bodies is the second most frequent indication for urgent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Once in the stomach, foreign bodies are usually spontaneously eliminated. However, a small percentage of large or sharp objects become stuck in the gastrointestinal mucosa. Fish bones represent a substantial number of ingested foreign bodies. We present two cases of fish bone intake producing gastric perforation satisfactorily resolved with endoscopy. Perforation is considered an absolute spcontraindication for upper and lower gastrointestinal endoscopy. Cases such as those reported herein indicate that the decision to perform endoscopic treatment should always be individualized since punctiform perforations - especially if associated with a parietal and peritoneal inflammatory reaction that helps to close the perforation spontaneously - can be treated non-surgically.

Duodenal perforation because of swallowed ballpoint pen and its laparoscopic management: report of a case

Accidental ingestion of foreign objects by teenagers or young adults without mental impairment is a rare event. We present a case of a patient who unintentionally swallowed a ballpoint pen several days before seeking medical attention. She concealed the event until abdominal radiographs revealed the foreign object. Because swallowed foreign objects can be potentially harmful, they should be removed endoscopically as soon as possible to prevent development of complications. At times, they need to be removed operatively. This report describes the laparoscopic removal of a ballpoint pen that perforated the duodenum.