[Ascending colon perforation by ingested fruit stones].

BACKGROUND

Ingested foreign bodies present problems due to the related complications, perforation being the most frequent.

MATERIAL AND METHOD: This is a descriptive study of two cases of ascending colon perforation by numerous ingested fruit stones. The main symptoms were abdominal pain with tenderness in the lower right quadrant.

RESULTS

In both cases the diagnosis was made at operation, with right hemicolectomy and termino-lateral ileo-colic anastomosis. Post-operative outcome was uneventful with the exception of a wound infection. The possible mechanism of the delayed perforation is discussed. Diagnosis and treatment modality alternatives in foreign body ingestion and the literature data are reviewed.

CONCLUSIONS

Delayed perforations by ingested fruit stones can be difficult to diagnose preoperatively but if operated in due time are curable by resection of the affected bowel.