Ileal perforation by accidentally ingested animal bone - rare cause of acute abdomen

Abstract

Introduction. In healthy adults, accidental ingestion of foreign bodies is uncommon. Intestinal perforation by ingested bone fragments is rare, but can be presented as life-threatening condition, especially when the diagnosis is delayed. Case outline. We present an uncommon case of a 73-year-old female with acute abdominal symptoms due to ileal perforation caused by accidental ingested animal bone. Pneumoperitoneum revealed by abdominal X-ray and abdominal free fluid revealed by abdominal ultrasound as well as the general condition of the patient required an urgent laparotomy, when the diagnosis of ileal perforation was made. A foreign body was removed from the intestine, along with partial resection of the intestine and end-to-end anastomosis. Conclusion. Surgical treatment of life-threatening complications arising after ingestion of foreign bodies is the only method of choice in the treatment of such patients.