title: A sticky case of intestinal obstruction.
abstract: The cause of intestinal obstruction in children can occasionally be obscure although history and examination usually directs the clinician to the correct diagnosis. Pica, the ingestion of non-nutrient material, however can be surreptitious and escape detection. A case report is presented of a 9-year-old child with an extensive and complicated surgical history. Following lengthy investigation and progression of sub-acute to acute intestinal obstruction over a long period, the cause was finally found to be due to persistent ingestion of Blu-Tack -- a common household putty-like adhesive.
authors.affiliation: Department of Paediatric Surgery, King's College Hospital, Denmark Hill, London, UK.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Chand
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Livesey
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: McCarthy
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Davenport
mesh_terms: D000269:Adhesives; D002648:Child; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007415:Intestinal Obstruction / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D010842:Pica / Q000150:complications*
chemical_list: D000269:Adhesives