HighlightsNo inguinal hernia repair is routine.Entrapment of ureter in the inguinal canal is a rare possibility with indirect sliding hernias.Preoperative imaging is warranted in select patients, including those with renal impairment.

Highlights The aetiology of spontaneous pneumoperitoneum includes a variety of intrathoracic, gynaecologic, intra-abdominal and iatrogenic causes. Idiopathic pneumoperitoneum is an extremely rare condition where no clear cause has been found and the patient has no risk factors. Knowledge of this rare phenomenon can reduce the negative laparotomy rate in such patients.

Highlights Pancreatitis should be considered a rare potential complication for patients who develop acute abdominal pain after colonoscopy. Procedural difficulties particularly around the splenic flexure, transmural colonic burns, and over-insufflation of the colon may increase the risk of pancreatitis. This rare complication should be considered in discussions when obtaining informed consent for the procedure.

HighlightsThe majority of ingested foreign bodies pass through the gastrointestinal tract harmlessly.Ingested foreign bodies can cause significant complications like bowel obstruction, bleeding, abscess formation, migration to other organs, and perforation.In selected cases, endoscopic management is more cost-effective, minimally invasive, has less post-operative complications, and leads to a more expeditious recovery.

Highlights Intramuscular abscesses, particularly in the biceps brachii, are very rare. The majority are associated with haematoma secondary to trauma, intramuscular injections, or systemic disease. If untreated, it can rapidly lead to septic shock and involvement of surrounding joints.