Work

An unexpected cause of abdominal pain: a case report of a toothpick in the liver successfully treated with gastroendoscopy

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Foreign body ingestion is a frequent occurrence in emergency departments, with most cases resolving without complications. However, sharp objects like toothpicks carry a higher risk of serious outcomes, including perforation and abscess formation. In this case, we are presenting a 62-year-old male patient who arrived at the emergency department with severe right upper quadrant abdominal pain and fever. Despite the absence of signs of gastrointestinal perforation or peritonitis, imaging revealed a toothpick penetrating both the stomach and liver, with no evidence of abscess formation. The toothpick was successfully removed using a gastroscopic approach. This case highlights an unusual condition where a foreign body migrated to the liver, yet the patient was successfully managed through a non-surgical, minimally invasive approach. Early diagnosis and minimally invasive intervention can lead to favorable outcomes without the need for invasive procedures.

Source: Journal of Surgical Case Reports

DOI: 10.1093/jscr/rjae851

Authors: Bakr F Alawna, Ahmad Nouri, Bahaa Arafat, Islam Rajab, Qusay Abdoh

Institutions: An-Najah National University, St. Joseph’s University Medical Center

Language: English

Topic: Foreign Body Medical Cases

Subfield: Radiology, Nuclear Medicine and Imaging

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,000