Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 14, 2026
09:14
The Rabbit Model of Accelerated Atherosclerosis: A Methodological Perspective of the Iliac Artery Balloon Injury
Published on: October 3, 2017
A rabbit's revenge: shotgun pellet appendicitis
J H van Dijk1, J Vankeirsbilck, S Poelmans
1Department of Surgery, Heilig Hart Tienen, Belgium. hierisjessica@hotmail.com
Acta Chirurgica Belgica
|February 13, 2013
Summary
Appendicitis from foreign bodies is rare, occurring in 0.0005% of cases. This study details a rare case of appendicitis caused by shotgun pellets, highlighting potential digestive tract complications.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Surgical Pathology
Background:
- Appendicitis is a common condition across all age groups.
- Foreign body-induced appendicitis is exceptionally rare, with an incidence of 0.0005%.
Observation:
- A 44-year-old male recreational hunter presented with appendicitis.
- Imaging revealed an appendicolith containing eight steel shotgun pellets.
Findings:
- The patient's appendicitis was caused by ingested shotgun pellets.
- Blunt foreign objects like pellets typically pass through the digestive tract without complications.
Implications:
- This case underscores that even seemingly inert foreign bodies can precipitate appendicitis.
- Awareness of this rare etiology is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management of appendicitis.
