Ingestion of huge number of metallic nails impacted in the stomach and cecum in a mentally abnormal woman: Case report

BACKGROUND: Foreign bodies may be ingested unconsciously, intentionally or in patients who have psychological abnormalities. The majority of foreign bodies are passed smoothly with no problems if they passed the esophagus, however some may be lodged in areas of anatomical narrowing which may require endoscopic or surgical intervention. CASE PRESENTATION: A 37-year -old mentally abnormal woman presented to the emergency department complaining from abdominal pain for 2 days. The family reported a history of ingestion of multiple metallic nails one week before presentation. Abdominal examination showed generalized tenderness and guarding. Plain abdominal X-ray showed multiple metallic nails in the upper abdomen and the right lower abdomen. Laparotomy was performed, one of the nails was causing perforation of the gastric wall, huge number of metallic nails were extracted from the stomach and cecum, appendectomy was performed. CONCLUSION: Ingestion of sharp and long foreign bodies usually requires surgical intervention, after surgery close observation and psychological consultation is required to prevent repeated ingestions.