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Published on: September 11, 2018

Foreign body ingestion causing gastric and diaphragmatic perforation in a child

B Antao1, G Foxall, I Guzik

  • 1Paediatric Surgical Unit, Sheffield Children's Hospital, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TH, UK. briceantao@doctors.org.uk

Pediatric Surgery International
|January 13, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Foreign body ingestion in children is common, but gastrointestinal perforation is rare. This case highlights an eyeliner pencil perforating the stomach and diaphragm, leading to empyema.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Surgical Case Reports
  • Foreign Body Ingestion

Background:

  • Foreign body ingestion is a frequent pediatric emergency.
  • Most ingested items traverse the gastrointestinal tract without complication.
  • Gastrointestinal perforation is an exceptionally rare outcome.

Observation:

  • A child ingested an eyeliner pencil.
  • The foreign body perforated the stomach and diaphragm.
  • This perforation resulted in the development of empyema.

Findings:

  • The case demonstrates a rare complication of foreign body ingestion.
  • Successful management involved addressing the perforation and empyema.
  • Clinical presentation and diagnostic challenges are discussed.

Implications:

  • Highlights the need for vigilance in pediatric foreign body ingestion cases.
  • Emphasizes the potential for severe complications even with seemingly inert objects.
  • Informs clinical practice regarding the diagnosis and management of rare gastrointestinal perforations.

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