Multiple abdominopelvic abscesses caused by fishbone: A case report of rare etiology and literature review

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Foreign body ingestion, particularly fishbone, is a prevalent medical complaint in the emergency department. Usually, these foreign substances pass through the gastrointestinal tract without causing any complications. The clinical manifestations of foreign body consumption are non-specific. CASE PRESENTATION: A 32-year-old male patient presented to our hospital with severe abdominal pain. Physical examination revealed a distended abdomen and tenderness. Plain chest and abdominal X-rays were unremarkable. The performed computed tomography (CT) of the abdominopelvic region showed multiple abscesses. Then, an exploratory laparotomy was decided during which a foreign body, a fishbone, was detected and the affected omental mass was resected, and abscess drainage was done. The resected specimen was sent for histopathological studies. The postoperative period was uneventful. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Perforation of the intestinal wall by fishbone ingestion is an unusual entity. The clinical features of intestinal perforation are usually non-specific resulting in delayed diagnosis. Based on individual situations, the treatment strategy can be surgical or non-surgical. CONCLUSION: Even though ingesting a foreign body is a frequent complaint in clinical practice, its repercussions are extremely rare. Our case presented multiple intra-abdominal abscesses and perforation as a complication of accidental fishbone ingestion.