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Total laparoscopic repair of sigmoid foreign body perforation
Sonal Arora1, Hutan Ashrafian, Elliott D Smock
1Department of Biosurgery and Surgical Technology, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom. sonal.arora06@imperial.ac.uk
Abstract:
We describe the case of a 43-year-old male who presented with lower abdominal pain following rectal foreign body introduction and self-removal. Clinical examination revealed generalized peritonitis with pneumoperitoneum on Erect Chest X-ray. At laparoscopy a perforation in the sigmoid colon was found and successfully repaired. In view of contamination, the bowel proximal to the perforation was exteriorized as a loop colostomy without conversion to open laparotomy. The patient was discharged home four days later: He subsequently underwent successful reversal of his colostomy at four months. Herein we present to the best of our knowledge the first case in the literature of a successful total laparoscopic repair of sigmoid perforation resulting from transanal foreign body abuse.
Insights
A 43-year-old male with sigmoid colon perforation from rectal foreign body abuse underwent successful laparoscopic repair and colostomy. This case highlights a minimally invasive approach for such rare gastrointestinal injuries.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Surgical Innovation
- Abdominal Surgery
Background:
- Rectal foreign body introduction can lead to severe intra-abdominal complications.
- Sigmoid colon perforation is a rare but serious consequence requiring prompt surgical intervention.
- Minimally invasive surgical techniques are increasingly explored for complex abdominal pathologies.
Observation:
- A 43-year-old male presented with lower abdominal pain and generalized peritonitis after self-removal of a rectal foreign body.
- Erect chest X-ray revealed pneumoperitoneum, indicating a perforated viscus.
- Laparoscopy identified a sigmoid colon perforation, necessitating surgical repair.
Findings:
- Successful total laparoscopic repair of the sigmoid colon perforation was achieved.
- A temporary loop colostomy was created due to contamination, avoiding open laparotomy.
- The patient experienced a short hospital stay and successful colostomy reversal at four months.
Implications:
- This case demonstrates the feasibility and success of a totally laparoscopic approach for sigmoid perforation due to foreign body abuse.
- Laparoscopic surgery offers potential benefits such as reduced hospital stay and faster recovery in managing such injuries.
- This represents a novel approach, potentially setting a precedent for managing similar rare surgical emergencies.
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