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Cecum and appendix perforation due to inadvertent ingestion of two toothpicks.

Authors :
Ayala, Bernabé Esteban Aguilar
Cadena, Baiter Renán Cazares
Molina, Gabriel A
Ruiz, Jonathan Eduardo Constante
Parada, Juan Fernando Salazar
García, Onofre Jacinto Solórzano
Source :
Journal of Surgical Case Reports. Apr2019, Vol. 2019 Issue 4, pN.PAG-N.PAG. 1p.
Publication Year :
2019

Abstract

Bowel perforation due to inadvertent ingestion of foreign objects is, fortunately, a rare event. However, it can lead to deadly complications when it occurs. Thin, sharp and pointed objects like toothpicks are more likely to pierce the bowel wall. Diagnosing toothpick ingestion and perforation is difficult since most patients do not recall swallowing the toothpick, symptoms and physical examinations are nonspecific, the symptoms can resemble many abdominal pathologies, and since a toothpick has a radiolucent nature that makes it difficult to detect through X-ray imaging. Due to this, most of the cases are identified during the transoperative period. We present the case of a 27-year-old male who presented with symptoms clinically indistinguishable from acute appendicitis. During surgery, two toothpicks were discovered that compromised the cecum and the appendix. After successful removal of the foreign objects, the patient underwent a full recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
20428812
Volume :
2019
Issue :
4
Database :
Academic Search Index
Journal :
Journal of Surgical Case Reports
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
136422393
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1093/jscr/rjz106