Case Report
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World J Gastrointest Surg. Jun 27, 2013; 5(6): 195-198
Published online Jun 27, 2013. doi: 10.4240/wjgs.v5.i6.195
A bizarre foreign body in the appendix: A case report
Nicola Antonacci, Marcello Labombarda, Claudio Ricci, Salvatore Buscemi, Riccardo Casadei, Francesco Minni
Nicola Antonacci, Marcello Labombarda, Claudio Ricci, Salvatore Buscemi, Riccardo Casadei, Francesco Minni, Department of General and Emergency Surgery, General and Emergency Surgery Unit, S.Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, University of Bologna, 40100 Bologna, Italy
Author contributions: Antonacci N, Labombarda M and Ricci C designed the report; Antonacci N and Buscemi S performed surgical operations; Minni F and Casadei R was attending doctor for the patient; Labombarda M organized the report and Antonacci N wrote paper.
Correspondence to: Nicola Antonacci, MD, Department of General and Emergency Surgery, General and Emergency Surgery Unit, S.Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, University of Bologna, Via Massarenti 9, 40100 Bologna, Italy. nikk79it@yahoo.it
Telephone: +39-51-6363346 Fax: +39-51-6364266
Received: February 20, 2013
Revised: April 11, 2013
Accepted: April 17, 2013
Published online: June 27, 2013
Processing time: 124 Days and 10.1 Hours
Abstract

Foreign bodies are rare causes of appendicitis and, in most cases, ingested foreign bodies pass through the alimentary tract asymptomatically. However, ingested foreign bodies may sometimes remain silent within the appendix for many years without an inflammatory response. Despite the fact that cases of foreign-body-induced appendicitis have been documented, sharp and pointed objects are more likely to cause perforations and abscesses, and present more rapidly after ingestion. Various materials, such as needles and drill bits, as well as organic matter, such as seeds, have been implicated as causes of acute appendicitis. Clinical presentation can vary from hours to years. Blunt foreign bodies are more likely to remain dormant for longer periods and cause appendicitis through obstruction of the appendiceal lumen. We herein describe a patient presenting with a foreign body in his appendix which had been swallowed 15 years previously. The contrast between the large size of the foreign body, the long clinical history without symptoms and the total absence of any histological inflammation was notable. We suggest that an elective laparoscopic appendectomy should be offered to such patients as a possible management option.

Keywords: Foreign body; Appendectomy; Laparoscopy; Acute appendicitis; Calcified fecaloma; Abdominal pain

Core tip: To our knowledge this is the first case of a marrowbone within an appendix with a delayed presentation which was adequately recognized and treated laparoscopically. Our case showed a unique clinical picture in which a bizarre foreign body remained dormant within the appendix for 15 years. This case could offer a possible diagnostic and therapeutic option for appropriately treating patients with foreign bodies within the appendix.