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Updated: Feb 6, 2026

Necropsy-based Wild Fish Health Assessment
Published on: September 11, 2018
Friday: Fish Day
Pieter Hoste1, Koenraad Mortele2, Marc Lemmerling3
1UZ Ghent, BE.
Abstract:
A 78-year-old man presented with diffuse abdominal pain, localized peritonitis and raised inflammatory markers. CT revealed an mesentery abcess with a linear high density structure in continuity with the adjacent small bowel lumen. Laparoscopy showed a perforation by a fish bone. Gastrointestinal tract perforation by foreign body ingestion is rare complication (1%). There are some risk factors and prefered locations of perforation. Time interval between ingestion and complication can vary extremely.
Insights
A rare case of gastrointestinal tract perforation caused by a fish bone in a 78-year-old man highlights the potential for foreign body ingestion complications. This emphasizes the need for vigilance in diagnosing such rare but serious conditions.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Surgical Pathology
Background:
- Foreign body ingestion is an uncommon cause of gastrointestinal (GI) perforation.
- Perforation can present with varied symptoms and timelines, making diagnosis challenging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a rare case of fish bone-induced GI perforation.
- To discuss risk factors and common locations for foreign body perforation.
Main Methods:
- Case presentation of a 78-year-old male with abdominal pain.
- Diagnostic imaging including CT scan.
- Laparoscopic surgical confirmation of perforation.
Main Results:
- CT revealed a mesenteric abscess with a foreign body.
- Laparoscopy confirmed perforation by a fish bone.
- Gastrointestinal tract perforation by foreign body ingestion is a rare complication, occurring in approximately 1% of cases.
Conclusions:
- Fish bone ingestion can lead to serious complications like GI perforation.
- Prompt diagnosis and surgical intervention are crucial for favorable outcomes.
- Awareness of risk factors and preferred perforation sites aids in timely management.
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