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[Two elderly patients with intestinal perforation caused by press-through package].
Y Izumisato1, T Takahashi, T Hirashima
1Department of Surgery, Tokyo Metropolitan Geriatric Hospital.
Summary
Accidental swallowing of Press-Through Packages (PTPs) can cause serious intestinal perforation, particularly in elderly patients. Rounding PTP corners or direct drug dispensing may prevent these rare but severe gastrointestinal injuries.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Surgical Pathology
Background:
- Press-Through Packages (PTPs) are increasingly used for medication packaging.
- Accidental ingestion of PTPs is a growing concern, with most cases involving esophageal impaction.
Observation:
- Two elderly female patients presented with severe abdominal pain and intestinal obstruction.
- Surgical intervention revealed intestinal perforations attributed to sharp edges of ingested PTPs.
Findings:
- One patient had a rectal perforation from a PTP ulcer; the other had an ileal perforation.
- Both patients recovered after surgical treatment for PTP-induced gastrointestinal injuries.
Implications:
- Ingested PTPs can cause rare but life-threatening intestinal perforations.
- Recommendations include direct drug dispensing or modifying PTP design to enhance patient safety, especially for the elderly.