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.