Not your typical abdominal pain: Case report of a fisherman presenting to the trauma & emergency surgery department with intestinal perforation due to an eel fish.

BACKGROUND

Traumatic intestinal perforation by foreign bodies is rare, with cases involving live fish being exceedingly uncommon, with only one reported case to date. We present a unique case of a 55-year-old fisherman who presented to the Emergency Department with traumatic intestinal perforation due to an eel fish accidentally entering his rectum. Despite initial reluctance to seek medical attention, prompt intervention was crucial to addressing peritonitis.

CASE PRESENTATION: The patient presented with severe abdominal pain and signs of peritonitis. X-ray findings confirmed pneumoperitoneum. Urgent laparotomy revealed a live eel fish and a 5 cm sigmoid colon perforation, necessitating a sigmoid colostomy.

DISCUSSION: Early recognition of traumatic intestinal perforation is vital for prompt management. Diagnosis can be challenging, emphasizing the need for thorough history-taking and imaging. Surgical intervention aims to repair the intestinal perforation, prevent complications and promote healing.

CONCLUSION

This case highlights the importance of considering unusual causes of abdominal pain, particularly in relevant occupational history. Prompt surgical intervention is crucial for favorable clinical outcomes.