Related Experiment Videos

Uncommon case of a foreign body ingestion with consecutive small-bowel obstruction in a child

W Schöber1, B Erdtmann, K Drews

  • 1Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Eberhard-Karls-Universität, Tübingen, Germany. Schoeber.wogi@t-online.de

European Journal of Pediatric Surgery : Official Journal of Austrian Association of Pediatric Surgery ... [Et Al] = Zeitschrift Fur Kinderchirurgie
|September 3, 2004
PubMed

Insights

A 12-year-old boy with Lennox syndrome experienced severe abdominal pain due to a rare jejunal foreign body. Surgical removal of a plastic towel rack piece was necessary to treat the intestinal obstruction.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Surgical Case Report

Background:

  • Lennox syndrome is a severe form of epilepsy often associated with intellectual disability and developmental delay.
  • Intestinal obstruction is a serious condition requiring prompt diagnosis and management.

Observation:

  • A 12-year-old boy diagnosed with Lennox syndrome presented with a 3-week history of progressive abdominal pain and vomiting.
  • Clinical examination and radiological imaging revealed signs of jejunitis/ileitis secondary to a foreign body in the jejunum.

Findings:

  • The obstructing foreign body was identified as a plastic component from a towel rack.
  • Surgical intervention was required for the removal of the jejunal foreign body.

Implications:

  • This case highlights the importance of considering unusual foreign body ingestions in the differential diagnosis of acute abdomen in children, even those with underlying neurological conditions.
  • Highlights the potential for foreign bodies to cause significant gastrointestinal complications requiring surgical management.

Related Concept Videos

Intestinal Obstruction I: Introduction01:29

Intestinal Obstruction I: Introduction

Intestinal obstruction is a partial or complete blockage of the small or large intestine that disrupts the normal flow of intestinal contents through the lumen. This interruption impairs digestion, absorption, and fluid balance, and may lead to serious complications if not treated promptly.Mechanical ObstructionMechanical obstruction occurs when a physical blockage prevents intestinal contents from passing, arising from within the lumen or the bowel wall, or from external compression.Adhesions,...
Intestinal Obstruction II: Pathophysiology01:07

Intestinal Obstruction II: Pathophysiology

Intestinal obstruction triggers a series of physiological responses, starting with gas and fluid accumulation in the bowel segment proximal to the obstruction, leading to distension. This distended intestine compresses the diaphragm, hindering lung expansion and potentially leading to reduced respiratory effort, atelectasis, and pneumonia.To overcome the blockage, the gut intensifies contractions, causing colicky abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, which reduces fluid and food intake and...
Pyloric Obstruction01:11

Pyloric Obstruction

Pyloric obstruction, also referred to as gastric outlet obstruction, is a condition characterized by narrowing or blockage at the pylorus—the muscular valve regulating the flow of stomach contents into the duodenum. When this passage becomes impaired, the stomach cannot effectively empty its contents into the small intestine. This disruption leads to a range of gastrointestinal symptoms, including early satiety, bloating, epigastric pain, postprandial nausea, persistent vomiting, and...
Inflammatory Bowel Disease V: Surgical Management01:21

Inflammatory Bowel Disease V: Surgical Management

Surgical interventions for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, are essential in managing symptoms and addressing complications. The selection of surgical procedures is contingent upon the specific conditions and complications that stem from these illnesses.
Here are some common surgical interventions for IBD:
Esophageal Perforation-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management01:28

Esophageal Perforation-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management

Esophageal perforations manifest in various clinical forms, influenced by factors such as the perforation's cause and location (cervical, intrathoracic, or intra-abdominal), the extent of contamination, and potential injury to adjacent mediastinal structures. The timing between the perforation occurrence and treatment initiation also affects the clinical presentation.
Clinical Manifestations:
Appendicitis01:19

Appendicitis

Appendicitis is an acute inflammatory condition of the vermiform appendix, most commonly caused by obstruction of its lumen. The appendix is a narrow, blind-ended pouch that extends from the cecum, making it particularly prone to obstruction. Causes include fecaliths, lymphoid hyperplasia (often after viral infections), parasites, tumors, or foreign bodies. This obstruction initiates a cascade of pathological changes.Luminal Obstruction and Early InflammationAfter obstruction, normal mucosal...