Abdominal foreign body: late presentation as a rectus sheath abscess

Noushif M, Sivaprasad S, Prashanth A
Correspondence: Dr Medappil Noushif, noushif@gmail.com

ABSTRACT
Intra-abdominal ingested foreign bodies are usually an incidental finding, typically encountered in mentally challenged patients. We present the case of a 65-year-old mentally sound woman who presented with recurrent abdominal pain and a lump in the hypogastrium. Evaluation revealed a rectus sheath abscess extending to the peritoneum, with a foreign body in situ. On enquiry, the patient revealed that she had accidentally ingested a tailoring needle 17 years ago. This case illustrates an unusual presentation of an ingested foreign body as a rectus sheath abscess after a long duration.

Keywords: abdomen, abscess, foreign body, rectus
Singapore Med J 2011; 52(5): e94-e95