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[Partial intestinal obstruction after swallowing a self-expanding sponge for weight reduction]
J Conze1, C J Krones, A Prescher
1Chirurgische Klinik und Poliklinik, Rheinisch Westfälischen Technischen Hochshule, Aachen. jconze@ukaachen.de
Deutsche Medizinische Wochenschrift (1946)
|August 16, 2003
Summary
A patient experienced severe abdominal pain due to a swallowed weight-reducing sponge. This case highlights the risks of unsupervised use of physico-mechanical weight-loss aids.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Surgical Case Reports
Background:
- Weight-reducing preparations utilizing physico-mechanical principles are available.
- These preparations often contain expandable materials designed to induce satiety.
Observation:
- A 21-year-old woman presented with acute, cramp-like abdominal pain.
- Physical examination revealed abdominal tenderness and increased bowel sounds, with normal vital signs and laboratory markers.
- Diagnostic laparotomy was performed due to suspected appendicitis.
Findings:
- A foreign body, identified as an expanded sponge, was discovered within the ileum near the ileocecal valve.
- The patient reported recent ingestion of a weight-reducing preparation containing expandable sponges.
- Surgical removal of the sponge was successful, and the patient recovered without complications.
Implications:
- The use of physico-mechanical weight-reducing agents requires careful consideration of anatomical factors and potential complications.
- Medical supervision is crucial for patients using such devices to mitigate risks like intestinal obstruction.
- This case underscores the importance of patient education regarding the safe use of over-the-counter weight-loss products.