Liver abscess secondary to fish bone penetration of the gastric wall: a case report

An unusual case of liver abscess caused by fish bone perforation of the stomach is presented in this report. A 65-year-old woman was admitted to the Far Eastern Memorial Hospital for abdominal pain, fever and chills. Physical examination revealed anemia and tenderness in the epigastrium. Laboratory data showed leukocytosis and abnormal liver function. Computerized tomography of the abdomen disclosed a huge abscess in the left lobe of the liver. Exploratory laparotomy was performed and a fish bone, 3.7 cm in length, was found perforating the stomach with penetration into the left lobe of the liver, resulting in a hepatic abscess. Drainage of the liver abscess with removal of the fish bone and simple closure of the gastric perforation were performed. The patient recovered uneventfully.