Published online Nov 24, 2021. doi: 10.5306/wjco.v12.i11.1083
Peer-review started: May 22, 2021
First decision: August 18, 2021
Revised: August 20, 2021
Accepted: September 30, 2021
Article in press: September 30, 2021
Published online: November 24, 2021
Processing time: 180 Days and 24 Hours
Foreign body granuloma (FBG) is a well-known type of granulomatous formation, and intraabdominal FBG (IFBG) is primarily caused by surgical residues. Multifocal IFBGs caused by gastrointestinal perforation is an extremely rare and interesting clinicopathological condition that resembles peritoneal dissemination. Here, we present a case of IFBGs mimicking peritoneal dissemination caused by bowel perforation and describe the value of intraoperative pathological examinations for rapid IFBG diagnosis.
An 86-year-old woman with an incarcerated femoral hernia was admitted to the hospital and underwent operation. During the operation, the incarcerated ileum was perforated during repair due to hemorrhage necrosis, and a small volume of enteric fluid leaked from the perforation. The incarcerated ileum was resected, and the femoral hernia was repaired without mesh. Four months later, a second operation was performed for an umbilical incisional hernia. During the second operation, multiple small, white nodules were observed throughout the abdominal cavity, resembling peritoneal dissemination. The results of peritoneal washing cytology in Douglas’ pouch and the examination of frozen nodule sections were compatible with IFBG diagnosis, and incisional hernia repair was performed.
IFBGs can mimic malignancy. Intraoperative pathological examinations and operation history are valuable for the rapid diagnosis to avoid excessive treatments.
Core Tip: Multifocal intraabdominal foreign body granulomas (IFBGs) caused by gastrointestinal perforation are clinically rare and mimic peritoneal dissemination. An 86-year-old woman underwent an operation to treat an incarcerated femoral hernia; however, the incarcerated ileum was perforated due to hemorrhage necrosis, resulting in incarcerated ileum resection. After 4 mo, a second laparoscopic operation was conducted for an umbilical incisional hernia; however, small, white nodules were identified throughout the entire abdominal cavity, mimicking peritoneal dissemination. Using intraoperative cytology and frozen sections, the nodules were diagnosed as IFBGs. IFBGs sometimes mimic peritoneal dissemination, and intraoperative pathological examinations are effective for rapid diagnosis.