Toríz A, Rodea H, Athié C, Guizar C, Malo A, Yumbé E, Corral A

Language: Spanish
References: 11
Page: 198-201
PDF size: 176.00 Kb.

ABSTRACT

We present the case of a 24-year-old male, with toxic abuse history, admitted to Emergency Room, with secondary acute abdomen and intestinal occlusion. He underwent laparotomy, finding small bowel occlusion complicated with ileal perforation. We also found, 24 foreign objects such as soda and liquor bottle caps, aluminum foil, lemon halves, chicken bones and plastic objects; some free within the abdominal cavity and some inside, the gut. Intestinal resection was carried out along with ileostomy and Hartman pouch. Postoperative evolution was torpid and two reoperations were required due to obstruction and wound dehiscence, the latter secondary to withdrawal syndrome. Finally he was managed with open abdomen until his discharge 20 days later. In conclusion, pica is a rare condition that occurs mostly in neurological deficient patients. Also, under drug or alcohol effects there might be a tendency to swallow objects with obstruction and or perforation risk. Final diagnosis may be delayed due to an altered state of consciousness.

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