Appendicitis caused by ingestion of metal foreign body

Abstract

Introduction The ingestion of foreign bodies is a frequent occurrence, especially among children. The majority of these objects travel safely through the gastrointestinal tract, without causing symptoms or leaving sequelae. Acute appendicitis is the emergency surgical pathology of greater prevalence. However, the impaction of a foreign body into the appendicular lumen as an etiologic agent of appendicitis is a very rare event. Case report We describe the case of a 21-year-old male patient with lower abdominal pain over approximately six days, in association with vomiting, fever and abdominal distension. After imaging studies, a radiopaque foreign body was identified in a pelvic topography, with distention and air-fluid levels in intestinal loops. Our patient was submitted to an open appendectomy, evidencing acute perforated appendicitis and the presence of two foreign bodies in its lumen. The patient progressed satisfactorily in the post-operative period, with use of broad-spectrum antibiotics. Discussion Foreign bodies impacted in the gastrointestinal tract are usually removed by endoscopic techniques. When these bodies cause infections, there should be a resolution, preferably by surgical laparoscopy, which will serve both for diagnostic as therapeutic purposes.

Acute complicated appendicitis caused by an ingested toothpick – A case report

“…In the past 5 years (2015 to time of publishing) there have been 13 cases of acute appendicitis secondary to foreign body ingestion reported in the literature [7] , [8] , [9] , [14] , [15] , [16] , [17] , [18] , [19] , [20] , [21] , [22] . These included 8 men, 2 women and 3 children whilst the average age was 33.6.…”