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Multiple intestinal perforations due to blister pill pack ingestion
Francesc Simo Alari1, Israel Gutierrez1
1Chrirugie gynecologique et viscerale, Centre hospitalier du val d'Ariege, Pamiers, France.
Foreign body ingestion in adults, often linked to cognitive issues, can cause rare but serious complications like bowel perforation. This case highlights the need for vigilance in at-risk populations.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Surgical Case Reports
Background:
- Foreign body ingestion is common in children but less frequent in adults.
- Adult cases are often associated with psychiatric disorders, cognitive impairment, or visual deficits.
Observation:
- A 72-year-old woman presented with abdominal pain and was found to have a foreign body in the ileum via CT scan.
- The CT revealed mesenteric infiltration and a thickened bowel wall, suggesting a complication.
Findings:
- Surgical exploration identified four contained bowel perforations caused by a blister pill pack.
- A 30 cm segment of the ileum required resection due to the perforations.
Implications:
- While rare, foreign body ingestion in adults can lead to severe gastrointestinal complications such as perforation.
- Prompt surgical intervention is crucial for managing established perforations, contrasting with endoscopic options for upper GI foreign bodies.
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