Beyond the Gastrointestinal Tract: When Ingestion Turns Into Migration-A Case Series

Foreign body ingestion is a common emergency presentation with a wide spectrum of symptoms. Silent ingestion of foreign bodies poses a diagnostic challenge as patients present with nonspecific symptoms for varying durations. Ingested foreign objects will pass through the body asymptomatically; however, around 1% will cause complications like bowel obstruction, perforation, and, infrequently, migration beyond the gastrointestinal (GI) system. In this case series, we present five cases of migrated ingested foreign bodies and their complications, ranging from complicated psoas muscle abscess, perianal abscess, and intraabdominal collection following small bowel perforation. A plain radiograph is the first modality used to detect the presence of a foreign body, while cross-sectional imaging aids in assessing the nature and location of the foreign body and presence of complications. Management is often conservative with observation, while drainage by interventional radiology is advised if the collection is accessible. Surgical intervention is reserved for complex cases. High clinical suspicion, thorough history taking, and physical examination aid in reaching the diagnosis to facilitate treatment.