[Intestinal perforation by a fish bone. Apropos of a case and review of the literature].

We report a case of transverse colon perforation by a fish bone (Grouper) in a toothless-old female. A review of the literature revealed a great variety of foreign bodies which may cause perforations at variable sites of the gastrointestinal tract. Fish bones were responsible for 46% of intestinal perforations in a review of 24 cases collected in 1984. Advanced age and poor patient dentition, as well as mental debility constitute predisposing factors for the swallowing of foreign bodies. Emergency radiology may be required. An exaggerated inflammatory reaction may give rise to a misleading pseudo tumor appearance. We agree that a well conducted and well analysed clinical history associated with a careful pathologic examination are very helpful in the diagnosis.