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Colonic obstruction after ingested gravel and stone

P V Narayanan1, M K Balachandran

  • 1Department of Surgery, Academy of Medical Sciences, Pariyaram, Kannur, Kerala, India. naraypv@gmail.com

Asian Journal of Surgery
|June 23, 2012
PubMed

Insights

A 10-year-old boy experienced severe abdominal pain due to ingested gravel and stones in his colon. Conservative colonoscopy and medical treatments successfully resolved the foreign body impaction, avoiding surgery.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Gastroenterology
  • Colorectal Surgery

Background:

  • Foreign body ingestion in children can lead to significant gastrointestinal complications.
  • Colitis symptoms necessitate prompt diagnosis and management, especially in pediatric cases.

Observation:

  • A 10-year-old boy presented with acute abdominal discomfort and colitis-like symptoms.
  • Imaging revealed extensive foreign bodies (gravel and stones) throughout the colon, accumulated over one year.
  • Initial attempts at mechanical dislodgement from the rectum were unsuccessful.

Findings:

  • Repeated colonoscopic basketting successfully removed the foreign bodies.
  • The patient was treated with antibiotics for colitis and later with laxatives.
  • Surgical intervention was considered but ultimately avoided.

Implications:

  • This case highlights the successful use of conservative endoscopic management for extensive colonic foreign bodies in a pediatric patient.
  • It underscores the importance of considering less invasive options before resorting to surgery for complex foreign body impactions.
  • The successful outcome emphasizes the value of a multidisciplinary approach involving surgery, gastroenterology, and careful monitoring.

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