Ileocecal junction perforation caused by a sewing needle in incarcerated inguinal hernia: An unusual case report

INTRODUCTION: This case study is concerning the meticulous observation of the moving process and track of 2 ingested needles using interval x-ray radiography, trying to localize the foreign bodies and reduce unnecessary exploration of digestive tract. CASE PRESENTATION: An unusual case of a 1-year, 9-month-old female baby, with incarcerated hernia perforation caused by sewing needles with sharp ends, was reported herein. The patient had swallowed 2 sewing needles. One needle was excreted uneventfully after 8 days. On the contrary, the other needle stabbed the ileocecal junction wall into the right side of inguinal hernia sac after 9 days, and the patient received successful operation management. Interval x-ray confirmed that 1 needle-like foreign body moving down in 8 days until excretion along with feces. However, the other pierced into the incarcerated hernia. Preoperative x-ray radiography successfully monitored the moving process and tract of the sewing needles. Considering the penetrating-migrating nature of the foreign bodies, once the sharp-pointed objects were located, they should be removed as the mortality and risk of related complications may be increased. CONCLUSION: Interval x-ray radiography represents a meticulous preoperative monitoring method of the moving process and tract of needle-like foreign bodies. Interval x-ray with real-time images accurately detecting the moving foreign bodies could be help to reduce the unnecessary exploration of digestive tract and subsequently prevent possible complications. Based on the basic findings from the interval x-ray, treatment choices of endoscopic removal and surgical intervention may be attempted.