An unexpected cause of abdominal pain: a case report of a toothpick in the liver successfully treated with gastroendoscopy.

Journal: Journal Of Surgical Case Reports
Published:
Abstract

Foreign body ingestion is a frequent occurrence in emergency departments, with most cases resolving without complications. However, sharp objects like toothpicks carry a higher risk of serious outcomes, including perforation and abscess formation. In this case, we are presenting a 62-year-old male patient who arrived at the emergency department with severe right upper quadrant abdominal pain and fever. Despite the absence of signs of gastrointestinal perforation or peritonitis, imaging revealed a toothpick penetrating both the stomach and liver, with no evidence of abscess formation. The toothpick was successfully removed using a gastroscopic approach. This case highlights an unusual condition where a foreign body migrated to the liver, yet the patient was successfully managed through a non-surgical, minimally invasive approach. Early diagnosis and minimally invasive intervention can lead to favorable outcomes without the need for invasive procedures.

Authors
Bakr Alawna, Ahmad Nouri, Bahaa Arafat, Islam Rajab, Qusay Abdoh