Intentional Ingestion of a Metallic Wire Causing Perforation and Retroperitoneal Abscess: A Case Report

Abstract

Foreign body ingestion is a frequent condition, with the majority of foreign bodies (FBs) tending to spontaneously proceed along the gastrointestinal tract without any major complications. A wide range of procedures are available to remove FBs; however, a real challenge exists in managing sharp, rigid, and long foreign objects, which are related to higher rates of complications. A 34-year-old man who intentionally swallowed a metallic wire of 20 cm length, presented to our ED with abdominal pain 2 weeks after the ingestion. The FB had migrated to the stomach and duodenum. Complications included perforation of the duodenum and ascending colon and a retroperitoneal abscess. FB removal was done via laparotomy, followed by the repair of perforations and damaged tissues. This case highlights the complications of a FB presence in the gastrointestinal tract for 14 days and emphasizes the importance of urgent and appropriate management of such conditions.