Ileal perforation by accidentally ingested animal bone – rare cause of acute abdomen

Abstract

Introduction In healthy adults, accidental ingestion of foreign bodies is uncommon. Intestinal perforation by ingested bone fragments is rare, but can be presented as a life-threatening condition, especially when the diagnosis is delayed.

Case outline We present an uncommon case of a 73-year-old female with acute abdominal symptoms due to ileal perforation caused by accidentally ingested animal bone. Pneumoperitoneum revealed by abdominal X-ray and abdominal free fluid revealed by abdominal ultrasound as well as the general condition of the patient required urgent laparotomy, when the diagnosis of ileal perforation was made. A foreign body was removed from the intestine, along with partial resection of the intestine and end-to-end anastomosis.

Conclusion Surgical treatment of life-threatening complications arising after ingestion of foreign bodies is the only method of choice in the treatment of such patients.

Keywords: ingested foreign bodies; intestinal perforation; surgery