Rare case of omentum-wrapped abscess caused by a fish bone penetrating the terminal ileum

Teach a man to fillet: gastrointestinal and extra-gastrointestinal complications related to fish bone ingestion

Accidental ingestion of fish bone is a common occurrence in populations that consume unfilleted fish. Although most ingested foreign bodies pass through the gastrointestinal tract uneventfully within a week, less than 1% of patients unfortunately develop gastrointestinal perforation. Occasionally, some patients who are unaware of an episode of fish bone ingestion may present sub-acutely with symptoms mimicking inflammatory conditions or pyrexia of unknown origin. Computed tomography (CT) is the definitive imaging modality in the diagnosis of fish bone foreign body and its complications. This pictorial essay aims to illustrate the various complications related to fish bone ingestion, broadly divided into gastrointestinal related complications and extra-gastrointestinal complications related to migration of fish bone. Radiologists should be familiar with the myriad of possible complications, and take heed that a relevant history of fish bone ingestion is often absent.

Case of unrecognised food bone ingestion with dual site intestinal perforations

Food bone perforation of the bowel is a relatively rare diagnosis. Its presentation is non-specific and often misdiagnosed. We present a case where a food bone perforation in both the large and small bowel was diagnosed on CT scan. A successful outcome was achieved with surgical treatment.

An unusual cause of chronic abdominal pain after laparoscopic Roux en Y gastric bypass: Case report of a penetrating fish bone causing adhesions at the biliary-digestive junction resulting in partial obstruction and chronic symptoms

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Chronic abdominal pain after laparoscopic Roux en Y gastric bypass (LRYGP) is a challenging clinical problem.

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An unusual case of a fish bone perforation at the biliary-digestive junction with resulting adhesions and obstruction is described.

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The importance of exercising a low threshold for laparoscopic evaluation in patients presenting with chronic abdominal pain after LRYGP is stressed.

Background

The management of chronic abdominal pain after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGP) is complex and challenging. Foreign body intestinal perforation including that caused by fish bones has previously been reported in the literature and if clinically unrecognized, can cause significant morbidity and mortality. Fish bone perforation as a cause of chronic abdominal pain after LRYGP has rarely been reported.

Summary

The unusual case of a 54 year old female presenting with recurrent episodes of postprandial pain 2 years after LRYGP is reported. Previous radiological and endoscopic investigations did not reveal any abnormality and after the most recent clinical presentation, a laparoscopic exploration was performed. A protruding fish bone at the biliary-digestive junction was discovered intra-operatively and successfully extracted. Dense adhesions between the involved intestinal loops were lysed in an attempt to improve intestinal transit and subsequently relieve post-prandial pain.

Conclusion

This case highlights the possibility of a missed fish bone perforation causing chronic postprandial abdominal pain and discomfort in a patient with a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass anatomy. Foreign body perforation is a rare cause of abdominal pain after gastric bypass that should be considered when evaluating chronic abdominal pain symptoms after LRYGP.