Chronic perforation of the sigmoid colon by foreign body

Fawzi E Ali1, Waleed A Al-Busairi, Emad Y Esbaita

  • 1Medical Rehabilitation Center, Kuwait. fawzi@kma.org.kw

Current Surgery
|June 21, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Colorectal foreign bodies can migrate proximally. A case highlights chronic perforation mimicking inflammatory bowel disease, emphasizing diagnostic challenges with impacted foreign bodies.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Colorectal Surgery
  • Pediatric Surgery

Background:

  • Colorectal foreign bodies (FBs) present diagnostic challenges, especially without a clear history of ingestion or anal introduction.
  • Determining the origin of colorectal FBs can be difficult, complicating management strategies.

Observation:

  • A case report details a nonverbal boy with a plastic FB in the sigmoid colon.
  • Initial colonoscopic extraction failed, necessitating a laparotomy over a year later.

Findings:

  • Laparotomy revealed chronic sigmoid colon perforation sealed by adhesions to the pelvic wall.
  • Histological examination showed a chronic granulomatous reaction, mimicking inflammatory bowel disease.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the potential for colorectal FBs to cause chronic perforation with features resembling inflammatory bowel disease.
  • Accurate diagnosis and management of colorectal FBs are crucial to prevent long-term complications.

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