Laparoscopic retrieval of a sewing needle from the liver: A case report. (2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Carver, David; Bruckschwaiger, Vanessa; Martel, Guillaume; Bertens, Kimberly A.; Abou-Khalil, Jad; Balaa, Fady
• Is Part Of: International journal of surgery case reports. Volume 51(2018)
• Page Start: 376
• Page End: 378
• Publication Date: 2018
• Subjects: Foreign bodies -- Foreign body migration -- Liver abscess -- Laparoscopy -- Case report; Surgery -- Periodicals; Surgical Procedures, Operative -- Periodicals; Surgery; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 617.005
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2018.09.012
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2210-2612

Abstract

Highlights: Ingested foreign bodies are a common presentation. Ingested foreign bodies can migrate/penetrate to the liver. Patients can present with symptoms including epigastric abdominal pain. In some cases hepatic foreign bodies can be extracted through a laparoscopic approach. Abstract: Introduction: Less than 1% of ingested foreign bodies will require surgical management. An uncommon complication of ingested foreign body is migration to the liver. We present a case of laparoscopic removal of an intrahepatic foreign body. Presentation of case: 32-year-old female presented with a four month history of epigastric abdominal pain following suspected foreign body ingestion. CT scan demonstrated a metallic object lying in the left lateral segment of the liver. The patient was brought to the operating room where the object was removed laparoscopically and was found to be a sewing needle. Discussion: Hepatic foreign bodies are an uncommon entity and typically result from a transcutaneous or ingested (e.g., gastrointestinal) source. Symptoms are often vague and can develop remote from the time of ingestion. Surgical management is warranted for symptomatic intrahepatic foreign bodies. Conclusion: Laparoscopy is an effective surgical method for removal of intrahepatic foreign bodies in some cases.