title: Laparoscopically detected and nonsurgically managed ileal perforation by an ingested fish bone: a case report.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Ileal perforation due to fish bone is a rare event. The condition is difficult to diagnose due to lack of specific clinical features and low sensitivity of imaging techniques. We report a case of ileal perforation by a fish bone that was detected laparoscopically and managed nonsurgically.
  
  
  METHODS
  A 45-year-old Sinhalese man presented with acute onset right iliac fossa pain and fever for three days. On examination, he had significant right iliac fossa tenderness and guarding. His white cell count and C-reactive protein level were elevated and an ultrasound scan was indicative of a bowel mass formation. A clinical diagnosis of acute appendicitis was made and laparoscopic appendicectomy was scheduled. At initial survey, a thin spike-like structure was retrieved from the bowel mass, which was revealed to be a fish bone. Our patient was managed with antibiotics only and did not develop any complications.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Ileal perforation due to fish bone is a rare condition that can mimic common conditions like appendicitis. Preoperative diagnosis is rarely made. The slow process of fish bone migration results in concomitant sealing of the perforation, reducing contamination. Use of laparoscopy may be useful in diagnosing this condition and preventing the morbidity of laparotomy in these patients.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, University of Kelaniya, North Colombo Teaching Hospital, Ragama, 11010, Sri Lanka. pramodh@sltnet.lk.
authors.forename: Pramodh Chitral
authors.initials: PC
authors.lastname: Chandrasinghe
authors.affiliation: District General Hospital, Homagama, 10200, Sri Lanka. ckpathirana@yahoo.com.
authors.forename: Chandrasiri Karapitiya
authors.initials: CK
authors.lastname: Pathirana
mesh_terms: D001062:Appendectomy; D001064:Appendicitis / Q000175:diagnosis; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005547:Foreign Bodies / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D007082:Ileum / Q000601:surgery*; D007416:Intestinal Perforation / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged