A Case Study of an Ingested Foreign Body Lodged in the Appendix for 2 Years

Abstract

This case describes the rare occurrence of a 9-year-old, ingesting a foreign body that became lodged in the appendix for over 2 years. The patient was asymptomatic except for continuing intermittent constipation and encopresis. Initially, the patient went through diagnostic surveillance of the foreign body, determined to be a screw, with abdominal radiography and an unsuccessful retrieval of it, during colonoscopy. Finally, a limited abdominal sonogram of the right lower quadrant was performed to identify if the screw was lodged in the appendix. Few published case reports have described the diagnostic value of sonography in identifying foreign bodies in children. This case emphasizes the diagnostic capabilities of sonography in accurately distinguish and pinpointing the location this foreign body, prior to surgical intervention.