Intestinal Injury Secondary to an Umbilical Piercing

BACKGROUND: Body piercing has become increasingly popular throughout the world and may cause unanticipated complications during surgery. METHODS: We describe the case of a 35-y-old woman with hepatocellular carcinoma who underwent a diagnostic laparoscopy for metastatic disease evaluation. RESULTS: An early intestinal injury occurred upon abdominal entry and introduction of pneumoperitoneum. The injury was secondary to a single adhesion between the abdominal wall and small bowel caused by a previous umbilical piercing. CONCLUSIONS: Umbilical piercing can lead to unanticipated intraoperative complications even if it is removed prior to surgery. Surgeons performing laparoscopy should be aware of potential pitfalls associated with these art forms.