Surgically treated perforations of the gastrointestinal tract caused by ingested foreign bodies

Foreign body ingestion: A case of wine-cork ingestion due to chronic alcoholism leading to ileus

Ingestion of foreign bodies is a rare clinical problem in healthy adults. Less than 1% of cases need surgery due to perforation or obstruction. Here, we describe an unusual case of a wine-cork ingestion by a 54-year-old woman with a history of chronic alcohol consumption. Computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen and pelvis revealed foreign body (FB) in terminal ileum. The proximal part of the ileum was dilated due to obstruction. Laparotomy was performed, and the FB was removed without complications. Most ingested FBs spontaneously pass through the gastrointestinal tract. However, in rare instances, the FB can cause obstruction. In case of suspicion of serious complications such as obstruction and perforation, abdominopelvic CT should be used. The application of radiographic techniques in the identification of FBs and the assessment of potential complications plays a crucial role in expediting medical interventions for patients.

Acute intestinal obstruction secondary to ingested foreign body in an adult with autism spectrum disorder: A rare case report and review of literature

Key Clinical Message

Foreign body ingestion is common in pediatric age group however can be found in any age group with intellectual disability and neurodevelopmental delay. There is usually a delay in presentation and interventions following foreign body ingestion in patients with neurodevelopmental delay, leading to increased morbidity, mortality, and complications owing to inability of such patients giving relevant history. Most ingested foreign bodies naturally pass through the digestive tract without untoward effects. Only a few patients may require surgical interventions. Principle of management should be to reduce anxiety among patients and their visitors. Speedy recovery is enhanced so that they can return to their familiar environment soon.

Abstract

Foreign body ingestion is common in pediatric populations and may be found in any age group with intellectual disability and neurodevelopmental delay. As the patient cannot give a clear and relevant history, there is usually a delay in presentation and interventions following foreign body ingestion in patients with neurodevelopmental delay, leading to increased morbidity, mortality, and complications. Most foreign bodies pass through the digestive system without any complications, and very few require surgical intervention. The goal should be to reduce anxiety among patients and their visitors and to enhance speedy recovery so that they can return to their familiar environment soon. Here we report a case of Acute intestinal obstruction secondary to ingestion of the head portion of a doll which was managed with emergency laparotomy with enterotomy and removal of foreign body in a 16 years female with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Small bowel perforation due to ingested frog bone: a case report

Perforation of the gastrointestinal tract by ingested foreign body is an uncommon surgical emergency, most typically associated with the consumption of fish and chicken bones. We present an unusual case of a gentleman presenting emergently with an acute abdomen following ingestion of a meal containing frog meat. Emergent computed tomography (CT) revealed findings suggestive of jejunal perforation due to a foreign body. At laparotomy, a mid-jejunal site of perforation was noted due to a protruding piece of fractured frog bone. Washout and primary repair of the small bowel enterotomy were performed, and the patient made an excellent post-operative recovery.

Chicken bone-induced ileal perforation peritonitis mimicking duodenal perforation peritonitis: a case report

Introduction

Foreign body ingestion can lead to bowel perforation and peritonitis. We present a case of a 54-year-old male who ingested a chicken bone, resulting in ileal perforation that mimicked duodenal perforation peritonitis.

Case Presentation

The patient has a history of peptic ulcer disease and regularly used non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs over the counter, adding more evidence to the provisional diagnosis of duodenal perforation. Exploratory laparotomy revealed the ileal perforation and the chicken bone was successfully removed. Wedge resection of the perforated segment and ileo-ileal anastomosis were performed.

Discussion

Although history, examination, and investigation were more in favor of duodenal ulcer, our patient had ileal perforation due to chicken bone. Prompt identification and early surgical intervention are crucial to prevent complications and reduce mortality rates. The patient had an uneventful recovery.

Conclusion

Timely referral to a tertiary care center is essential for early surgical intervention and successful management of bowel perforation caused by a foreign body.

Rectum Perforation Secondary to Ingested Chicken Bone Presenting as Peri-Anal Abscess: A Case Report

Rectal perforation secondary to an ingested foreign body is a rare occurrence that can be challenging to diagnose. It may initially present as a perianal abscess. Herein, we report a rare incident involving a patient who presented with a perianal abscess. The initial assessment and an abdominal CT scan revealed a large horseshoe perianal abscess with a small linear hyperdensity noted near the anal verge. The patient was taken to the operating room, where he was found to have perforated the rectum due to an ingested chicken bone. The procedure involved the incision and drainage of the abscess, along with the removal of the foreign body.

Descending Colon Perforation Due to Ingestion of Foreign Body

Foreign body ingestion is a common reason for emergency department (ED) visits, with rare complications necessitating immediate surgical intervention. This case report discusses diagnosis and treatment, emphasizing the importance of prompt intervention. A 45-year-old male with dentures presented with acute left abdominal pain. Diagnostic tests identified a foreign body in the descending colon, leading to laparoscopic surgery. Early laparoscopy offers a safe and reliable alternative to exploratory laparotomy. This case underscores the significance of swift diagnosis, preventing severe complications like peritonitis, obstruction, and hemorrhage. In conclusion, while foreign body ingestion is common, intestinal perforation remains extremely rare. Physicians should consider it in their differential diagnosis, with computed tomography (CT) and rapid surgical intervention as crucial components of proper management.

Multiple abdominopelvic abscesses caused by fishbone: A case report of rare etiology and literature review

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE

Foreign body ingestion, particularly fishbone, is a prevalent medical complaint in the emergency department. Usually, these foreign substances pass through the gastrointestinal tract without causing any complications. The clinical manifestations of foreign body consumption are non-specific.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 32-year-old male patient presented to our hospital with severe abdominal pain. Physical examination revealed a distended abdomen and tenderness. Plain chest and abdominal X-rays were unremarkable. The performed computed tomography (CT) of the abdominopelvic region showed multiple abscesses. Then, an exploratory laparotomy was decided during which a foreign body, a fishbone, was detected and the affected omental mass was resected, and abscess drainage was done. The resected specimen was sent for histopathological studies. The postoperative period was uneventful.

CLINICAL DISCUSSION

Perforation of the intestinal wall by fishbone ingestion is an unusual entity. The clinical features of intestinal perforation are usually non-specific resulting in delayed diagnosis. Based on individual situations, the treatment strategy can be surgical or non-surgical.

CONCLUSION

Even though ingesting a foreign body is a frequent complaint in clinical practice, its repercussions are extremely rare. Our case presented multiple intra-abdominal abscesses and perforation as a complication of accidental fishbone ingestion.

A Right-Angled Thorn in the Bowel: A Curious Case of Small Bowel Perforation

We present a 45-year-old man with small bowel perforation resulting from the inadvertent ingestion of a right-angled thorn of the Gum Arabic plant (Vachellia nilotica). The diagnosis was made, and an emergency laparotomy was performed for suspected enteric peritonitis. The thorn was found projecting from the terminal ileum with a minimal intra-peritoneal fluid collection. The thorn was removed, and the perforation site was repaired primarily with absorbable sutures. The lack of a reliable history of foreign body ingestion makes it impossible to arrive at an accurate preoperative diagnosis in patients presenting with perforation peritonitis. Radiological investigations have a low sensitivity for detecting radiolucent vegetative foreign bodies as the cause of bowel perforations. Primary repair should be preferred over resection procedures in the management of foreign body-induced small bowel perforations.

Accidentally ingested wooden toothpick, perforation of a sigmoid diverticulum and mimicking acute colonic diverticulitis: A case report and literature review

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE

Ingested wooden toothpick (WT) represents a rare cause of acute abdomen. Preoperative diagnosis of ingested WT is a challenge because of its unspecific clinical presentation, the low sensitivity rate of radiological investigations and the patient's inability to often recall the event of swallowing a WT. Surgery represents the main treatment in case of ingested WT-induced complications.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 72-year-old Caucasian male presented to the Emergency Department with a two-day history of left lower quadrant (LLQ) abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and fever. Physical examination revealed LLQ abdominal pain and rebound tenderness with muscle guarding. Laboratory tests reported high levels of C-reactive protein and neutrophilic leukocytosis. Abdominal contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) showed colonic diverticulosis, wall thickening of the sigmoid colon, pericolic abscess, regional fatty infiltration, a suspicion of sigmoid perforation secondary to a foreign body. The patient underwent diagnostic laparoscopy: a sigmoid diverticular perforation caused by an ingested WT was noticed and a laparoscopic sigmoidectomy with end-to-end Knight-Griffen colorectal anastomosis, partial omentectomy and protective loop ileostomy were performed. The postoperative course was uneventful.

CLINICAL DISCUSSION

The ingestion of a WT represents a rare but potentially fatal condition which may cause GI perforation with peritonitis, abscesses and other rare complications if it migrates out of the GI tract.

CONCLUSION

Ingested WT may cause serious GI injuries with peritonitis, sepsis or death. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for reducing morbidity and mortality. Surgery is mandatory in case of ingested WT-induced GI perforation and peritonitis.

Abdominal pain from ingested bone misdiagnosed as appendicitis: Report of a rare case and literature review

Bones are potential foreign bodies that could be accidentally ingested, leading to several symptoms varying from asymptomatic to perforation of the gastrointestinal tract. However, these cases are rare but may be misdiagnosed with other common diseases such as appendicitis. We present in this case a 25-year-old male who presented with appendicitis symptoms, after appendectomy the patient had the same complaint, But the colonoscopy demonstrated a meat bone in the terminal ileum and was removed with the same device. Finally, he was discharged from the hospital without complications and after decreasing abdominal pain. According to the literature review, this is one of the rare cases of using colonoscopy to treat bone impaction non-operatively.

A fatal perforation of the distal ileum from an ingested fish bone: A case report

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE

Foreign body-induced perforations of the ileum are rare consequences among adults.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

This is a case report of a delayed presentation of an ileal perforation and concurrent faecal peritonitis presented as an acute abdomen, resultant from an ingested fishbone, which led to fatality despite urgent laparotomy.

CLINICAL DISCUSSION

Perforations following ingested foreign bodies are frequently unanticipated clinically, and diagnosed during advanced imaging studies or surgical interventions. Endoscopy, laparoscopy, and laparotomy have been used during surgical management in reported cases; however, prior early identification is pivotal for good outcomes as delayed presentations and delayed diagnosis carry a poorer prognosis.

CONCLUSION

Despite fish bones being frequent foreign bodies in the gastrointestinal tract and the majority causing no life-threatening adverse effects, they are the leading foreign bodies instigating gastrointestinal perforations. A high degree of suspicion is required when attending to patients with suspected gastrointestinal perforations and absent typical findings in routine imaging, where fish bones could be the aetiology.

Small Bowel Perforation Secondary to Blister Pill Pack Ingestion: A Case Report

We present a case of accidental ingestion of a foreign body-blister pill pack (FB-BPP) causing small bowel perforation in a patient taking aspirin and clopidogrel due to past history of coronary artery disease. A 71-year-old male presented in the emergency department (ED) with a two-day history of abdominal discomfort and loss of consciousness. His relevant home medication included aspirin and clopidogrel secondary to a history of coronary artery stents. Initial workup with emergent CT scan of abdomen/pelvis with intravenous contrast showed a loop of the terminal ileum with thickened wall and perforation. Incidentally, he was also found to have type II myocardial infarction. Emergent laparoscopic ileocecectomy with primary anastomosis was done. The postoperative course was unremarkable. The pathology report of the small bowel was consistent with a FB-BPP associated perforation. FB-BPP ingestion with perforation is a rare occurrence. It occurs more often in the elderly with significant mortality. Our case of accidental ingestion of FB-BPP was confirmed retrospectively after histopathological evaluation, and complicated by type II myocardial infarction. Emergent laparoscopic bowel resection was done despite significant preoperative risks.

A rare case of perforation of a colorectal tumor by a fish bone

The accidental ingestion of foreign bodies is a common clinical issue. While most foreign bodies pass through the gastrointestinal (GI) tract without complications, a few cases unfortunately result in GI perforation. Fish bones are one of the most frequent foreign bodies found in the GI tract, and they are high-risk objects for GI perforation due to their hard and sharp-pointed ends. Here, we present a rare case of a 64-year-old man with perforation of a colorectal tumor by a fish bone. The patient received emergency Hartmann's operation with lymph node dissection. Although the patient experienced recurrence in the liver rather than peritoneal dissemination, systemic chemotherapy was considerably effective, and conversion therapy with hepatectomy was successfully performed; the patient achieved 5-year relapse-free survival after the operation. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the perforation of a GI tumor by a fish bone. This rare case suggests the significant clinical implication that proper preoperative diagnosis and prompt surgical treatment lead to better postoperative outcomes for patients with tumor perforation by a foreign body.

Intestinal perforation on an incarcerated incisional hernia secondary to an ingested foreign body. Report of a rare case

Ingestion of foreign bodies (FBs) is common and rarely has consequences for the patient, but sometimes it can originate gastrointestinal perforation and lead to devastating consequences if unrecognized. Therefore, whenever present, bowel perforation demands immediate surgical treatment.

An 89-year-old woman with an incarcerated incisional hernia, whose imaging study was consistent with intestinal occlusion and perforation within the hernia sac was treated at our hospital. A segmental enterectomy and direct correction of the hernial defect were performed. A perforation in the mesenteric border due to a FB, which seemed to be a toothpick, was identified in the surgical specimen. Nine months after surgery, the patient was without complaints, with adequate healing, and without evidence of hernial recurrence.

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of intestinal perforation on an incarcerated incisional hernia, due to an ingested FB, reported in the literature.

Intestinal perforation caused by fishbone in a child with the misdiagnosis of acute appendicitis: A case report

If a child has abdominal pain, it is important to evaluate the possibility of intestinal perforation caused by foreign objects such as fishbone. If a foreign agent is present, laparoscopic surgery is an effective method to remove the foreign objects.

Intentional Ingestion of a Metallic Wire Causing Perforation and Retroperitoneal Abscess: A Case Report

Foreign body ingestion is a frequent condition, with the majority of foreign bodies (FBs) tending to spontaneously proceed along the gastrointestinal tract without any major complications. A wide range of procedures are available to remove FBs; however, a real challenge exists in managing sharp, rigid, and long foreign objects, which are related to higher rates of complications. A 34-year-old man who intentionally swallowed a metallic wire of 20 cm length, presented to our ED with abdominal pain 2 weeks after the ingestion. The FB had migrated to the stomach and duodenum. Complications included perforation of the duodenum and ascending colon and a retroperitoneal abscess. FB removal was done via laparotomy, followed by the repair of perforations and damaged tissues. This case highlights the complications of a FB presence in the gastrointestinal tract for 14 days and emphasizes the importance of urgent and appropriate management of such conditions.

Cecum perforation due to a fish bone

Foreign body (FB) ingestion is a common condition encountered in clinical practice, especially among the pediatric age group; however, this occurrence is rare among adults. Some FBs can induce the perforation of the gastrointestinal tract, including fish bones, chicken bones and toothpicks. The ingestion of FBs is rarely associated with bowel perforation, and most FBs are passed spontaneously. The ingestion of sharp and pointed objects typically produces adverse events related to the upper gastrointestinal system, and FBs are rarely retained in the colon. Bowel perforation caused by the ingestion of FBs should be diagnosed and treated in a timely manner. Here, we present the unusual case of a 51-year-old male who presented to the emergency room with complaints of acute abdominal pain secondary to fish bone ingestion, which triggered cecum perforation.

Case report on a rare cause of silent duodenal perforation

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We describe a rare case of duodenal perforation related to foreign body ingestion which has rarely been reported in the literature.

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Foreign body perforations were uncommon and often missed in view of its atypical and latent presentation.

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Early multiplanar reformatting CT images help in identifying the cause and also to locate the foreign body in most of the patients, thus making it an important tool for preoperative diagnosis which assists in surgical planning.

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Though the majority of patients will require an exploratory laparotomy, minimally invasive procedures can be attempted in stable patients similar to this case.

Introduction

Foreign body ingestion is a common clinical scenario encountered in clinical practice. Perforations related to foreign bodies are rare (<1%) but can present as a serious element in Emergency surgery. The most common site of perforations are angulated areas like ileocecal valve, sigmoid colon and duodeno-jejunal flexure and small bowel. We describe a rare case of duodenal perforation related to foreign body ingestion which has rarely been reported in the literature.

Case presentation and management

This case report describes the presentation and management of a 65 year old male who presented with septic shock without symptoms and signs of an acute abdomen. Imaging revealed a sealed foreign body perforation in the first part of duodenum with a localized abscess. The abscess cavity was drained and the foreign body (fish bone) was removed laparoscopically.

Conclusion

Foreign body perforations were often missed in view of its atypical and latent presentation with the history of foreign body ingestion is rare. Early multiplanar reformatting CT images help in identifying the cause and also to locate the foreign body in most of the patients, thus making it an important tool for preoperative diagnosis which assists in surgical planning. Though the majority of patients will require an exploratory laparotomy, minimally invasive procedures can be attempted in stable patients similar to this case.

Ingested a fish bone-induced ileal perforation: A case report

INTRODUCTION

Gastrointestinal perforation due to foreign body intake is rare and often secondary to unintentional intake; hence, a misdiagnosis is likely. Herein, we report a case of perforation of the ileum due to fish bone.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 57-year-old woman presented with right lower abdominal pain. She did not provide any information about having a history of swallowing foreign bodies. Surgery for uterine fibroids and subtotal gastrectomy was performed 6 years ago.

DIAGNOSIS

Laboratory tests and imaging examination showed normal results. During laparotomy, a fish bone was found at the end of the ileum. Two senior radiologists re-evaluated the computed tomography scan, and confirmed the presence of the suspected foreign body.

INTERVENTIONS

Partial intestinal resection and manual ileum end anastomosis were performed.

OUTCOMES

The patient recovered well after surgery and recalled that she had eaten fish the night before experiencing abdominal pain.

CONCLUSION

An accurate diagnosis of complications due to fish bone intake, often secondary to the unintentional intake, is quite challenging. Detailed history-taking about the patient's diet and eating habits is therefore important. Clinical manifestations are mainly determined by the location of perforation, which typically occurs at the junction of the ileum and rectal sigmoid colon. Imaging examination and surgery are often used for definite diagnosis.

Endoscopic treatment of a foreign body-associated colonic perforation

BACKGROUND

Although the ingestion of foreign bodies is relatively common in the general population, intestinal perforation is rare but usually requires emergent surgery.

CASE PRESENTATION

We report a case of an 87-year-old woman that presented with a foreign body-associated colonic diverticular perforation. After multidisciplinary discussion, the foreign body was removed and the perforation was closed using an over-the-scope-clip. Percutaneous drainage of an adjacent intra-abdominal collection was performed. The patient had a favorable clinical evolution and was discharged 15 days after the endoscopic procedure.

CONCLUSION

This case highlights the possible growing role of endoscopic treatment of foreign body-associated colonic perforations, especially in high-risk surgical patients.

Endoscopic management of gastric perforation secondary to chicken bone: A report of 2 cases

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The majority of ingested foreign bodies pass through the gastrointestinal tract harmlessly.

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Ingested foreign bodies can cause significant complications like bowel obstruction, bleeding, abscess formation, migration to other organs, and perforation.

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In selected cases, endoscopic management is more cost-effective, minimally invasive, has less post-operative complications, and leads to a more expeditious recovery.

Introduction

Ingested foreign bodies (IFB) can uncommonly cause perforation of the gastrointestinal tract. The traditional management is surgical exploration via laparotomy or laparoscopy, although endoscopic options are now gaining prominence.

Presentation of case

We present two patients with almost identical clinical presentations of post-prandial abdominal pain and anorexia. On examination they were haemodynamically stable with localised epigastric tenderness. Both patients underwent CT scan of the abdomen, with one scan revealing a foreign body in the stomach penetrating the full thickness of the gastric wall with the tip lying extraluminally. They subsequently underwent endoscopy where a chicken bone was found perforating the wall of the stomach. This was removed via snare and endoscopic clips were used to close the site of perforation.

Discussion

The majority of ingested foreign bodies pass through the gastrointestinal tract harmlessly. However some IFBs can cause significant complications like bowel obstruction, bleeding, abscess formation, migration to other organs, and in our case perforation. The diagnosis may be delayed due to an insidious clinical presentation especially if the patient does not recall ingesting anything untoward. Our patients managed to avoid surgery by undergoing successful endoscopic therapy.

Conclusion

In selected cases, endoscopic management is more cost-effective, minimally invasive, has less post-operative complications, and leads to a more expeditious recovery. Therefore, the role of therapeutic endoscopy for gastric perforations secondary to foreign bodies should always be considered.

Duodenal perforation nine months after accidental foreign body ingestion, a case report

Background

Foreign body ingestion is a scenario occasionally encountered in the emergency room. Pediatric and psychiatric patients are the two most common populations suffering from accidental or in some cases intentional ingestion of foreign bodies. Commonly, majority of cases require no specific treatment and the swallowed objects pass through the digestive tract spontaneously without causing any significant complications. Less than 1% of the cases complicates with gastrointestinal tract perforation, which are often caused by sharp objects, which warrants surgical intervention. The average time from foreign body ingestion to development of perforation was noted at 10.4 days in previous reports. These cases often present in rapidly progressing peritonitis and are subsequently managed by emergent laparotomy. In this case report, we describe an accidental chopstick ingestion of a patient who initially was misdiagnosed and remained asymptomatic for nine months, then presented with acute abdomen.

Case presentation

A 27-year-old man accidentally ingested a wooden chopstick and sought consult at a clinic. Negative abdominal plain film misled the physician to believe ingested chopstick was digested into fragments and passed out unnoticed. The patient presented acute abdomen caused by duodenal perforation nine months later and was subsequently treated with emergency laparotomy with primary duodenorrhaphy.

Conclusions

Negative plain films are not sufficient to conclude a conservative treatment in foreign body ingestion. Computed tomography scan or endoscopic examinations should be done to rule out retained foreign body within gastrointestinal tract.

Surgery for intra-abdominal abscess due to intestinal perforation caused by toothpick ingestion: Two case reports

RATIONALE

Failure to pass though the gastrointestinal tract can result in inflammatory response, reactive fibrosis, and intestinal perforation. Fish bones, chicken bones, and toothpicks are the most common types of foreign substances that produce intestinal perforation during ingestion.

PATIENT CONCERNS

Case 1: A 49-year-old female was hospitalized with abdominal pain and a fever. The fever lasted for 5 days before hospitalization. Case 2: A 72-year-old male was hospitalized with abdominal pain and fever. The fever lasted for 4 days before hospitalization.

DIAGNOSES

Case 1: An abdominal pelvic computed tomography (APCT) scan revealed a large inflammatory mass formation and linear high-density material within the inflammatory mass. The presence of foreign bodies, including acupuncture needles or intrauterine devices was ruled out. Case 2: An APCT scan revealed that there was a small abscess formation measuring about 2.5 cm abutting the abdominal wall and a parasitic infestation was ruled out.

INTERVENTIONS

Case 1: An exploratory laparotomy was performed. After removal of the abscess pocket, the sigmoid colon was found to be perforated, and there was a firm, sharp foreign body in the abscess pocket that measured about 5 cm and resembled a toothpick. Case 2: Laparoscopic exploration was then performed. When the abscess was removed from the abdominal wall using a harmony scalpel, a 4 cm foreign body that resembled a toothpick appeared in the abscess pocket.

OUTCOMES

The patients recovered well after surgery and were discharged.

LESSONS

Two of the above case reports describe the cases in which the presence of toothpicks was suspected clinically, resulting in the surgery of intra-abdominal abscess caused by intestinal perforations.

When traditions become dangerous: Intestinal perforation from unusual foreign body-Case report and short literature review

Gastrointestinal perforation (GI) is a common cause of acute abdomen in the emergency department that needs a prompt surgery intervention. Nowadays, CT examinations represent the method of choice to image patients with acute abdominal pain in emergency. GI perforations by foreign bodies ingested is rare and only <1% of ingested foreign bodies are believed to cause perforation of GI. MDCT is to be considered the best imaging method for identifying foreign bodies, the perforation site and the surgical treatment to be planned reliably. We presente a case of 70-year-old lady presented to our Emergency Department with acute abdominal pain.

Ingested partial denture mimicking perforated diverticular disease

Denture ingestion is a rare clinical entity among foreign body ingestions. The caveat is that there is often no recollection of the event and that dentures are radiolucent and as such hard to identify on conventional imaging. To date not all dentures contain radiopaque marker. Here we present the case of a 52-year-old male who was admitted with clinical and radiological signs of perforated diverticular disease. A curvilinear metallic foreign body was picked up on repeat CT imaging at day 3, which was part of an unknowingly swallowed partial denture that became impacted and perforated the sigmoid colon. The patient underwent an uneventful laparoscopic anterior resection and was discharged home a week later. We conclude that all dentures should contain a radiopaque marker in order to avoid failure in radiological detection and thus prevent misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment.

Intestinal Perforation Secondary to Pits of Jujube Ingestion: A Single-Center Experience with 18 Cases

BACKGROUND

Ingestion of jujube pits is a common clinical problem, which can be difficult to diagnose and life-threatening if accompanied with intestinal perforation and peritonitis. In this study, 18 cases of intestinal perforation caused by ingestion of jujube pits were reviewed and summarized to discuss the clinical characteristics, diagnosis and treatments.

METHODS

From 2012 to 2018, a total of 18 patients diagnosed as intestinal perforation due to ingested pits of jujube in our center were retrospectively reviewed and the manifestations, laboratory tests, imaging examinations and treatment strategies were summarized.

RESULTS

The patients comprised of 11 males and 7 females with an average age of 63.5 years. The main clinical manifestation was abdominal pain. Twelve patients (67%) presented to the emergency department with signs of localized peritonitis. CT imaging revealed positive findings in 17 (94%) patients. Conservative treatments were attempted in 3 patients, and the other 15 patients received emergency surgical exploration, where 7 patients had more than one perforation identified during surgery. Five patients were admitted in the surgical intensive care unit after surgery. The average length of stay of all 18 patients was 9.8 days (range 5-24 days).

CONCLUSION

Ingestion of jujube pits is a common clinical problem and potentially leads to intestinal perforation and peritonitis. CT imaging is the first imaging modality of choice. Patients with milder symptoms might be managed with cautious conservative treatment, and patients with more than one perforation can be identified during surgery.

Rectal perforation by inadvertent ingestion of a blister pack: A case report and review of literature

The accidental ingestion of a foreign body (FB) is a relatively common condition. In the present study, we report a peculiar case of rectal perforation, the first to our knowledge, caused by the inadvertent ingestion of a blister pill pack. The aim of this report is to illustrate the difficulties of the case from a diagnostic and therapeutic viewpoint as well as its unusual presentation. A 75-year-old woman, mentally impaired, arrived at our emergency department in critical condition. The computed tomography scan revealed a substantial abdominopelvic peritoneal effusion and free perigastric air. The patient was therefore submitted to an urgent exploratory laparotomy; a 2-cm long, full-thickness lesion was identified in the anterior distal part of the intraperitoneal rectum. Hence, we performed a Hartmann's procedure. Because of her critical condition, the patient was eventually transferred to the Intensive Care Unit, where she died after 10 d, showing no surgical complication. The ingestion of FBs is usually treated with observation or endoscopic removal. Less than 1% of FBs are likely to cause an intestinal perforation. The intestinal perforation resulting from the unintentional ingestion of an FB is often a difficult challenge when it comes to treatment, due to its late diagnosis and the patients' deteriorated clinical condition.

Impaction of swallowed dentures in the sigmoid colon requiring sigmoid colectomy

INTRODUCTION

Foreign body (FB) ingestion results in perforation in 1% of cases and is associated with significant morbidity and rarely mortality. Clinical presentation is variable and can present a diagnostic challenge. We report our experience and management of a patient with a delayed presentation of a sigmoid colon foreign body as a result of ingestion of a dental plate.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

A 67 year old female attended the colorectal outpatient clinic following an incidental finding of a sigmoid mass on computed tomography (CT) abdomen. Further investigation identified a dental plate impacted in a thickened sigmoid colon. On further questioning the patient recalled losing her dentures three years previously. At surgery the dental plate had partially eroded through the sigmoid colon into the pelvic side wall. A sigmoid colectomy and hand sewn end-to-end colo-colic anastomosis was performed.

DISCUSSION

Localised perforation following ingestion of a foreign body may result in significant morbidity. Extra luminal migration and local inflammatory response resulted in the formation of a walled off collection. Delayed complications of perforation include abscess and fistula formation.

CONCLUSION

Clinicians need to exhibit a high index of suspicion when treating edentulous patients and alcohol and drug abusers who present with an acute abdomen or a sub-acute presentation with associated atypical imaging and endoscopic findings. The decision regarding intervention and management strategy in cases of perforation by foreign body depends on chronicity of the case, extent of localised or diffuse peritonitis, and size of the lesion or area of bowel involved.

Analysis of Radiopaque Gastrointestinal Foreign Bodies Expelled by Spontaneous Passage in Children: A 15-Year Single-Center Study

Background: Most ingested foreign bodies (FBs) pass spontaneously through the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, but only limited data on transit time are available. We evaluated the relationship of FB size and shape with transit time. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed medical records collected over 15 years (January 2001 to December 2015) on pediatric patients with radiopaque FBs in the GI tract. We categorized the FBs as regularly (round or spherical) or irregularly shaped (ovoid, long, flake-like, or projecting) and measured their sizes radiographically. The diameter of regularly shaped FBs and the length of irregularly shaped FBs were correlated with transit time. Results: In total, 484 patients with GI FBs were surveyed, and 267 (55.1%) FBs were radiopaque. Among the 267 radiopaque FBs, 88 (33.1%) required endoscopic removal and 7 (2.6%) underwent surgical intervention. Eighty-seven patients with single FBs in the GI tract for whom precise details of transit time were enrolled into the analysis of transit time; their mean age was 3.48 ± 2.21 years. Of the 87 FBs, 61 (70.1%) were regularly shaped, and 26 (29.9%) were irregularly shaped. The diameter of regularly shaped FBs was positively associated with transit time, as revealed by Mann-Whitney U test; diameters >1.5 and >2 cm were significantly correlated with longer transit times (both p = 0.003). A trend toward an increased transit time for long irregularly shaped FBs was also apparent; the p-values for lengths of 1.5, 2, and 2.5 cm were 0.824, 0.153, and 0.055, respectively. Under receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, the optimal cutoff diameter for regularly shaped FBs, and length for irregularly shaped FBs, to predict a transit time of longer than 72 h were 1.95 and 2.25 cm, respectively. Conclusions: The passage rate of ingested radiopaque FBs is 64.4%. Small FBs that have passed the duodenal curve should be managed conservatively via clinical observation and radiographic surveillance. Our results indicate that the larger an FB is, the longer the transit time will be.

Osteoid bezoar: a rare case causing small bowel obstruction

Acute intestinal obstruction due to foreign bodies or bezoar is a rare occurrence in an adult. We report an unusual case of a 27-year-old male patient with no previous history of abdominal surgery or other medical disease, who presented with an acute episode of intestinal obstruction due to ingestion of a bone piece which was managed surgically by enterotomy, and the patient had an uneventful postoperative course. He was advised regular follow-up once in 2 weeks initially and once a month subsequently. He had no problems at the end of 6 months.

Sigmoid perforation caused by dentures-A rare case report

Rare case of an elderly male presenting to the emergency department with an acute abdomen few days post accidental ingestion of his dentures. A detailed history along with a CT abdomen showed perforation in the sigmoid colon adjacent to the site of the swallowed denture.

Foreign bodies in sigmoid colon diverticulosis

This review addresses the management of sigmoid colon diverticular disease associated with foreign bodies. In addition, two novel cases are presented. One case describes the management of diverticular bleeding secondary to a chicken bone and the other case reports retrieval of a retained EndoRings™ Device. The review identified 40 relevant publications including 50 subjects. Foreign bodies within sigmoid diverticular disease may be associated with inflammation, perforation, abscess and fistula. In current practice, diagnosis is often achieved with CT scan. Patients with colonic perforation or fistula generally require colonic resection. Patients with inflammation may merit conservative management, including colonoscopic foreign body retrieval. Chicken bones, tooth picks, and biliary stents have been reported in patients with inflammation, perforation and fistula, whereas all published patients with fish bone related diverticulosis complications experienced inflammation. Treatment might be best guided by the consequences of the foreign body rather than the nature of the underlying retained object. Diverticular bleeding secondary to a chicken bone was diagnosed at CT angiography and treated with colonoscopic snare retrieval of the bone and clipping of the bleeding diverticulum. The EndoRings™ Device was retrieved with a colonoscopic balloon.

Paediatric Gastrointestinal Endoscopy: European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology Hepatology and Nutrition and European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Guidelines

This guideline refers to infants, children, and adolescents ages 0 to 18 years. The areas covered include indications for diagnostic and therapeutic esophagogastroduodenoscopy and ileocolonoscopy; endoscopy for foreign body ingestion; corrosive ingestion and stricture/stenosis endoscopic management; upper and lower gastrointestinal bleeding; endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography; and endoscopic ultrasonography. Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy and endoscopy specific to inflammatory bowel disease has been dealt with in other guidelines and are therefore not mentioned in this guideline. Training and ongoing skill maintenance are to be dealt with in an imminent sister publication to this.

A rare case of perforation of the subhepatic appendix by a toothpick in a patient with intestinal malrotation: laparoscopic approach

Foreign body ingestion is not an uncommon problem in clinical practice. While most ingested foreign bodies pass uneventfully through the gastrointestinal tract, sharp foreign bodies such as toothpicks should cause intestinal perforation. We reported the case of a perforation of the appendix caused by a toothpick, which also pierced the liver without hepatic damages, in a male with an intestinal malrotation and subhepatic appendix. The patient was admitted to our hospital for abdominal pain in the right upper quadrant. An abdominal computed tomography scan revealed the anomalous position of the first portion of the large intestine with inflamed appendix. A laparoscopic appendicectomy and the exploration of the abdominal cavity was performed using minimally invasive technique.

Jejunal perforation due to ingested buffalo bone mimicking acute appendicitis

Background

Foreign body ingestion is seen quite frequently in clinical practice, intestinal perforation due to this is rare. The foreign body often mimics another cause of acute abdomen and requires an emergency surgical intervention. The majority of patients do not recall ingesting sharp foreign bodies.

Case presentation

We report an interesting case of a fifty five year-old man who presented with pain in the right iliac fossa with localised tenderness which was clinically diagnosed as acute appendicitis. During the operation, the presence of purulent collection and the inflamed bowel with flakes raised suspicion of bowel perforation. The assessment of the proximal small bowel revealed two small perforations in the jejunum. A hard, bony and sharp object was extracted and the perforations were closed. Post-operative recovery was uneventful. Detailed food history was taken following the recovery of the patient from surgery. It revealed the history ingestion of home prepared buffalo meat. The extracted object was identified as ‘buffalo bone’ by the patient and the care taker of the patient. The jejunum was perforated by the ingested buffalo bone causing local peritonitis in right iliac fossa.

Conclusion

Intestinal perforation by ingested foreign bodies should be suspected in acute abdomen. It requires a high degree of suspicion and awareness on the part of the clinician.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13104-016-2127-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Case of unrecognised food bone ingestion with dual site intestinal perforations

Food bone perforation of the bowel is a relatively rare diagnosis. Its presentation is non-specific and often misdiagnosed. We present a case where a food bone perforation in both the large and small bowel was diagnosed on CT scan. A successful outcome was achieved with surgical treatment.

Swallowed and aspirated dental prostheses and instruments in clinical dental practice: a report of five cases and a proposed management algorithm

BACKGROUND

Accidental swallowing or aspiration of dental instruments and prostheses is a complication of dental procedures. Failure to manage these complications appropriately can lead to significant morbidity and possibly death.

CASE DESCRIPTION

The authors present three cases of accidental swallowing of dental instruments during procedures and two cases of aspiration, one during a procedure and one long after the procedure. Although three of these five cases of foreign-body aspiration or ingestion were caught early and the patients were referred for endoscopic retrieval, two patients experienced prolonged symptoms that affected their quality of life before intervention occurred. Practical Implications The authors reviewed the literature and propose an evidence-based algorithm for management of such complications. Adherence to the proposed algorithm may decrease morbidity and mortality and improve patient outcomes.

Ingested Sharp Bone Fragment: An Unusual Cause of Acute Bowel Obstruction- Case Report

Acute bowel obstruction due to ingested foreign body (FB) like sharp bone fragment is a rare entity. As preoperative diagnosis was uncertain due to lack of proper history, diagnosis is usually done intraoperatively. Even though it is rare, we should consider it as differential diagnosis in patients with recent dietary history. Herein, we are reporting a 38-year-old man, without any psychiatric illness or previous surgery presenting to emergency department with the features of acute bowel obstruction. CT scan shows high density object in ileum suspicious of foreign body. Patient underwent exploratory laparatomy which reveals dilated small bowel with sharp bony object in ileum, which was retrieved with enterotomy.

Visual involvement in foreign-body intestinal perforations

INTRODUCTION

Intestinal perforation due to ingestion of a foreign body accounts for 21% of the total in our hospital.

METHODS

All cases of intestinal perforation due to foreign body ingestion occurring since 1990 were collected (29 cases), and the visual characteristics of these patients were analysed.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The mean age was 74.2 years (all of them presbyopic) with the majority being female (1.9:1). The most frequently ingested foreign body was fish bone (55%). The corrected near visual acuity obtained a mean value of 0.73, while the real visual accuity (only one of them wore glasses to eat) was 0.145. Four patients (20%) had only one eye, and the TNO test was positive in only 12 (60%). At least 13 (65%) had some degree of cataract.

CONCLUSIONS

Improving near visual acuity with either early cataract surgery and/or multifocal intraocular lenses may decrease the number of gastrointestinal perforations.

Delay in diagnosis and lessons learnt from a case of abdominal wall abscess caused by fishbone perforation

Complications following foreign body (FB) ingestion are an uncommon clinical problem. A 59-year-old man presented with a 4-week history of left iliac fossa pain and 1 episode of dark red blood mixed with stools. Inflammatory markers were elevated, and computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen and pelvis showed an ill defined abdominal wall inflammatory collection in close contact with the small bowel loops. He was treated with antibiotics, and follow-up CT, colonoscopy and small bowel enema were mostly unremarkable. The patient presented again ten months later with left iliac fossa cellulitis and fever. Multiplanar CT (the patient's fourth scan) demonstrated a 10cm abdominal wall collection with a linear hyperdense structure in the collection. The radiologists suspected a FB and on close scrutiny of the previous scans, they noted it to have been present on all of them. A targeted incision led to the removal of a 3cm fishbone from the collection. This case highlights the need to consider the possibility of a FB being the underlying cause in any unexplained intra-abdominal or abdominal wall inflammatory process so that the diagnosis is made in a timely manner.

Endoscopic Management of Foreign Bodies in the Upper Gastrointestinal Tract: An Evidence-Based Review Article

Gastrointestinal foreign bodies (FB) are comprised of food bolus impaction and intentionally or unintentionally ingested or inserted true FB. Food bolus impaction and true FB ingestion represent a recurrent problem and a true challenge in gastrointestinal endoscopy. More than 80-90% of the ingested true FB will pass spontaneously through the gastrointestinal tract without complications. However, in 10-20% of the cases an endoscopic intervention is deemed necessary. True FB ingestion has its greatest incidence in children, psychiatric patients and prisoners. On the other hand, food bolus impaction typically occurs in the elderly population with an underlying esophageal pathology. The most serious situations, with higher rates of complications, are associated with prolonged esophageal impaction, ingestion of sharp and long objects, button batteries and magnets. Physicians should recognize early alarm symptoms, such as complete dysphagia, distressed patients not able to manage secretions, or clinical signs of perforation. Although many papers are yearly published regarding this subject, our knowledge is mainly based on case-reports and retrospective series. Herein, the authors summarize the existing evidence and propose an algorithm for the best approach to FB ingestion.