Korean J Gastroenterol.  2002 Jun;39(6):429-431.

A Case of Fish Bone Induced Colon Perforation Presented as an Intraabdominal Mass

• Chae GS
• Lee SM
• Kim JS
• Baek IH
• Hong SJ
• Lee MS
• Kim WJ
• Lee JJ

Abstract

Intestinal perforation by ingested foreign body is uncommon. Approximately 80 to 90% of ingested foreign body are passed spontaneously without causing any problem. However, 10 to 20% fail to pass through the entire gastrointestinal tract, and less than 1% lead to intestinal perforation. The diagnosis of fish bone-induced intestinal perforation is difficult because of the rare history of foreign body ingestion, various of clinical presentations, and radiolucent character of fish bone. Thus, the correct diagnosis is estabilished only after examination of the resected segment of intestine. Although foreign body induced perforation is relatively rare, it should be considered in atypical case of peritonitis, intraabdominal abscess or mass, and intestinal obstruction. In Korea, the reported cases of foreign body ingestion showed mainly upper gastro-intestinal problem. We experienced a case of transverse colon perforation, induced by fish bone which was presented as chronic abdominal pain and an intraabdomial mass.

Keyword

Fish bone; Intraabdominal mass; Perforation

MeSH Terms

Abdominal Pain
Abscess
Colon*
Colon, Transverse
Diagnosis
Eating
Foreign Bodies
Gastrointestinal Tract
Intestinal Obstruction
Intestinal Perforation
Intestines
Korea
Peritonitis