Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Case Report
Abstract: Foreign body ingestion is a common clinical occurrence, with most objects passing through the gastrointestinal tract uneventfully. However, sharp foreign bodies, such as fishbones, pose a significant risk for complications, including perforation and appendicitis. We present the case of a 48-year-old man who presented with a one-week history of progressively worsening lower abdominal and right lower quadrant pain. Computed tomography (CT) imaging confirmed acute uncomplicated appendicitis with a suspected foreign body. Further history revealed the recent consumption of Barramundi fish. The patient underwent laparoscopic appendectomy, which identified a fishbone perforating the appendiceal wall. The procedure was successfully completed without complications, and the patient had an uneventful recovery with discharge the following day. This case highlights the importance of considering foreign body ingestion as a potential cause of appendicitis, particularly in patients with relevant dietary history. Prompt diagnosis and surgical intervention are crucial in managing such cases effectively.
Source: Cureus
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.78362
Authors: Sophia Bee Ting Tan, Heng-Chin Chiam
Institution: Cairns Hospital
Language: English
Topic: Foreign Body Medical Cases
Subfield: Radiology, Nuclear Medicine and Imaging
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4407061932