Down the Rabbit Hole-Considerations for Ingested Foreign Bodies
10.5223/pghn.2019.22.6.619
- Author:
Jerry BROWN
1
;
Molly KIDDER
;
Abigail FABBRINI
;
Jonathan DEVRIES
;
Jason ROBERTSON
;
Nicole CHANDLER
;
Michael WILSEY
Author Information
1. University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA.
- Publication Type:Case Report
- Keywords:
Appendix;
Foreign bodies;
Pediatrics;
Gastroenterology;
Endoscopy;
Appendicitis;
Appendectomy;
Autism spectrum disorder
- MeSH:
Appendectomy;
Appendicitis;
Appendix;
Autism Spectrum Disorder;
Child;
Constipation;
Emergency Service, Hospital;
Endoscopy;
Foreign Bodies;
Gastroenterology;
Humans;
Male;
Pediatrics
- From:Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
2019;22(6):619-623
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
We report the case of a seven-year-old boy with an ingested foreign body, which was retained within the appendix for a known duration of ten months, ultimately requiring appendectomy. The ingested foreign body was incidentally discovered by abdominal x-ray at an emergency room visit for constipation. Despite four bowel cleanouts, subsequent x-rays showed persistence of the foreign body in the right lower quadrant. While the patient did not have signs or symptoms of acute appendicitis, laparoscopic appendectomy was performed due to the risk of this foreign body causing appendicitis in the future. A small metallic object was found within the appendix upon removal. This case highlights the unique challenge presented by foreign body ingestions in non-verbal or developmentally challenged children and the importance of further diagnostic workup when concerns arise for potential retained foreign bodies.
