Autoelimination of Retained Bullet: A Case Report

Area of Science:

• Trauma Surgery
• Orthopaedic Surgery
• Gastrointestinal Surgery

Background:

• Gunshot wounds can result in complex foreign body injuries requiring specialized management.
• Transrectal trajectory injuries pose unique challenges due to anatomical proximity to vital structures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a rare case of a bullet migrating from the hip joint and being spontaneously eliminated via the gastrointestinal tract.
• To emphasize the importance of interdisciplinary communication in managing complex trauma cases.

Main Methods:

• A 25-year-old male with a gunshot wound to the buttock underwent joint management by acute care and orthopaedic surgery.
• Surgical attempts to retrieve a bullet lodged in the hip joint were unsuccessful, leading to a decision to defer removal.
• The bullet spontaneously migrated and was eliminated through the gastrointestinal tract.

Main Results:

• A bullet entered the buttock, suspected to have a transrectal course, and lodged in the hip joint.
• Despite surgical intervention, the bullet migrated further into the pelvis.
• The foreign body was ultimately expelled spontaneously via the gastrointestinal tract.

Conclusions:

• This case illustrates the rare occurrence of foreign body autoelimination.
• Effective multidisciplinary communication and collaboration are crucial for optimizing patient outcomes in complex trauma scenarios.