Intestinal perforation by a foreign body, without identifying a perforation site at laparotomy

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Surgical Case Reports
• Abdominal Trauma

Background:

• Intestinal perforation is a serious condition often requiring surgical intervention.
• Foreign body ingestion, particularly sharp objects like wooden spikes, can lead to gastrointestinal perforation.
• Identifying the exact site of perforation is crucial for effective surgical management.

Observation:

• A young male presented with abdominal pain and an inflammatory abdominal mass.
• Surgical exploration did not reveal the specific site of intestinal perforation.
• An inflammatory mass in the small bowel mesentery was successfully excised, and the abdominal cavity was drained.

Findings:

• The patient experienced an uneventful recovery following surgical intervention.
• Wooden spike-induced intestinal perforations may not always present with an identifiable perforation site.
• Spontaneous healing of the perforation after spike passage is a potential mechanism.

Implications:

• This case highlights that favorable outcomes are possible in wooden spike intestinal perforations even when the perforation site is not identified.
• Clinicians should consider the possibility of self-healing perforations in cases of foreign body ingestion.
• Further investigation into the healing mechanisms of such injuries may inform clinical practice.