title: Intestinal injury secondary to an umbilical piercing.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Body piercing has become increasingly popular throughout the world and may cause unanticipated complications during surgery.
  
  
  METHODS
  We describe the case of a 35-y-old woman with hepatocellular carcinoma who underwent a diagnostic laparoscopy for metastatic  disease evaluation.
  
  
  RESULTS
  An early intestinal injury occurred upon abdominal entry and introduction of pneumoperitoneum. The injury was secondary to a single adhesion between the abdominal wall and small bowel caused by a previous umbilical piercing.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Umbilical  piercing can lead to unanticipated intraoperative complications even if it is removed prior to surgery. Surgeons performing laparoscopy should be aware of potential pitfalls associated with these art forms.
authors: Section for Minimally Invasive and Bariatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of California, Los Angeles, USA.
authors: Mi Hee
authors: MH
authors: Park
authors: Amir
authors: A
authors: Mehran
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D046288:Body Piercing / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007410:Intestinal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D007421:Intestine, Small / Q000293:injuries*; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D011027:Pneumoperitoneum / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014472:Umbilicus