Open AccessIntestinal obstruction due to migration of a thermometer from bladder to abdominal cavity: A case report
Author(s) -
Nie Jing,
Bo Zhang,
Ying Duan,
Yuehua Hu,
Xinying Gao,
Jian Gong,
MeiFang Cheng,
Yanqing Li
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
world journal of gastroenterology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.427
H-Index - 155
eISSN - 2219-2840
pISSN - 1007-9327
DOI - 10.3748/wjg.v20.i9.2426
Subject(s) - medicine , thermometer , abdominal cavity , laparotomy , surgery , bowel obstruction , fundus (uterus) , abdomen , radiology , quantum mechanics , physics
Intraperitoneal foreign bodies such as retained surgical instruments can cause intestinal obstruction. However, intestinal obstruction due to transmural migration of foreign bodies has rarely been reported. Here, we report a case of intestinal obstruction due to a clinical thermometer which migrated from the bladder into the abdominal cavity. A 45-year-old man was admitted to our hospital with a one-year history of recurrent lower abdominal cramps. Two days before admission, the abdominal cramps aggravated. Intestinal obstruction was confirmed with upright abdominal radiography and computerized tomography scan which showed dilation of the small intestines and a thermometer in the abdominal cavity. Then laparotomy was performed. A scar was observed at the fundus of the bladder and a thermometer was adhering to the small bowels and mesentery which resulted in intestinal obstruction. Abdominal cramps were eliminated and defecation and flatus recovered soon after removal of the thermometer.