Perforation of the gastro-intestinal tract by a foreign body. A case report.

Most ingested foreign bodies pass through the gastro-intestinal tract without giving rise to complications. If they become lodged in a narrow segment of the gastro-intestinal tract, perforation may occur. The resulting morbidity depends on the further route of the penetrating object and whether septic sequelae ensue. This article describes an unusual case of foreign body perforation with a protracted clinical course. It emphasises that there are no insurmountable barriers in the pathway of foreign bodies.