An unusual cause of small bowel obstruction due to an ingested mango seed: a case report

BACKGROUND: Intestinal obstruction can occur due to multiple aetiologies. Intestinal obstruction due to phytobezoar have been reported. However, intestinal obstruction due to a mango seed has not been reported. Therefore, accidental ingestion of a mango seed is rare, and for an ingested mango seed to cause intestinal obstruction is rarer. CASE PRESENTATION: This case report is of a male who accidentally ingested a mango seed and presented with intestinal obstruction. The obstruction was at the terminal ileum. It required laparotomy for retrieval. CONCLUSION: It is extremely rare for a mango seed to cause intestinal obstruction. Hence, diagnosis requires a high degree of clinical suspicion. Instead of laparotomy, studies have demonstrated the use of laparoscopy for removal of ingested seeds.