Abdominal Wall Abscess Caused by Fish Bone Ingestion: A Case Report

Articles in Press

Document Type : Case Report

Authors

1 Allergy Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences

2 1. Allergy Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences

10.22038/psj.2026.87414.1468

Abstract

Abstract:

Background: Intra-abdominal abscesses are usually caused by infectious, inflammatory, or malignant conditions. In cases with unclear etiology, further evaluation is required.

Case Presentation: A 55-year-old male presented with four weeks of epigastric abdominal pain. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed a hypoechoic, avascular subhepatic lesion. The patient received antibiotic therapy. Further evaluation, including assessment for immunodeficiency, revealed no abnormalities. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography demonstrated a linear hyperdense structure, suspicious for a foreign body.

Results: Laparoscopic exploration confirmed a migrated fish bone measuring 3.5 cm within the abscess. The foreign body was successfully removed, and the abscess was drained. The patient showed complete clinical improvement with resolution of symptoms and normalization of inflammatory markers.

Conclusion: In patients with intra-abdominal abscesses of unclear etiology, evaluation for underlying immunodeficiency should be considered. Additionally, although foreign body ingestion is relatively common, its complications—such as migration and abscess formation are rare and should be included in the differential diagnosis when common causes have been excluded.

Key Words: Abdominal Abscess; Foreign Bodies; Fish Bones

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Journal of Patient Safety & Quality Improvement

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 03 June 2026

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