INTESTINAL PERFORATION DUE TO AN INGESTED FOREIGN-BODY - LAPAROSCOPICMANAGEMENT

The authors report the case of a previously healthy 10-year-old boy wh o accidentally ingested a toothpick. He presented to the hospital 7 da ys after the incident with left lower quadrant abdominal pain and feve r; there was evidence of localized peritoneal irritation by exam. He h ad mild leukocytosis. An abdominal CT scan showed the toothpick in the sigmoid colon with extension through the bowel wall. Laparoscopic exp loration was undertaken and an 8-cm toothpick was identified and remov ed from the perforation site in the sigmoid colon. Via a small suprapu bic incision the sigmoid was delivered and repaired. The patient had a n uneventful recovery and was discharged home 2 days after the procedu re. Laparoscopic exploration can be diagnostic and therapeutic in the management of ingested foreign bodies with suspected intestinal perfor ation.