Impacted metallic foreign body in colon following ingestion: report of a case

Abstract

Introduction: Foreign body ingestion is a common clinical problem in early childhood. However, it may occur even in adults, unknowingly especially in depressed patients. Most ingested foreign bodies entering the stomach pass through the gastrointestinal tract uneventfully. Management protocol may vary depending on patient type.

Presentation of Case: A 19-year-old male who presented with a history of sudden abdominal pain and no abdominal distension following ingestion of door bolt .He was pale. His pulse rate was 76 per minute and blood pressure was 120/60 mmHg. Plain radiograph done on first day and second showed impacted L-shaped metallic object at the right iliac fossa region.

He was resuscitated and had exploratory laparotomy on second day after presentation. The findings were normal peritoneal fluid, impacted door bolt at mid portion of transverse colon. He had enterostomy and foreign body removal, analgesics and antibiotics. His outpatient follow-up has been uneventful.

Discussion: This is to report a case metallic foreign body ingestion with colonic impaction in 19 year old patient with the hope of increasing awareness especially in patients with depressive episodes.

Conclusion: Impacted metallic foreign body in colon following ingestion, though rare but can occur. Careful resuscitation and skillful surgical intervention will improve outcome.

Keywords: Impacted Metallic Foreign body, door bolt, Depression