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Published on: September 11, 2018

An unusual case of asymptomatic appendicular cutting foreign body

M Bertozzi1, N Nardi, F Falcone

  • 1S.C. di Clinica Chirurgica Pediatrica, Ospedale S. Maria della Misericordia, Perugia, Italy. mirkobertozzi@hotmail.com

La Pediatria Medica E Chirurgica : Medical and Surgical Pediatrics
|December 22, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Foreign body ingestion in children is common, sometimes leading to appendicitis or perforation. Prophylactic appendectomy is recommended for appendix foreign bodies to prevent complications.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Foreign body ingestion is a frequent pediatric emergency.
  • Appendiceal lumen foreign bodies can cause serious complications like perforation and appendicitis.

Observation:

  • A case of an asymptomatic ingested cutting foreign body within the appendix is presented.
  • The foreign body remained asymptomatic, posing a diagnostic challenge.

Findings:

  • Appendiceal foreign bodies, even asymptomatic ones, carry a risk of perforation or appendicitis.
  • Prophylactic appendectomy is a recommended management strategy for foreign bodies in the appendix.

Implications:

  • Highlights the importance of considering appendiceal foreign bodies in pediatric patients with gastrointestinal symptoms.
  • Underscores the role of prophylactic appendectomy in preventing severe complications associated with retained foreign bodies in the appendix.

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