Ascaris lumbricoides and its almost deadly complication

Parasitic infections are still a burden in developing countries. The lack of sanitation and hygiene measures can result in an increase in morbidity and mortality due to parasitic infections. Surgery may be needed to treat serious complications caused by some of these parasites. Ascaris lumbricoides is one of the most common parasites and although infections are usually mild, severe complications, although rare, still exist. We present a case of a patient from the Ecuadorean Amazon region with limited access to drinking water. She presented to the emergency room with abdominal pain and a mass in the abdomen. After surgery, a mass with a perforation due to Ascaris was discovered. After discharge and due to lack of follow up and self-care, she became infected again, this time making her prognosis more complex and her clinical presentation more difficult. However, after proper clinical and surgical management, patient fully recovered.