Laparoscopic Treatment of a Pyogenic Hepatic Abscess Caused by Transmural Duodenal Perforation of a Toothpick
Turaihi, H.; Assam, J.; Zanfes, J.; Thambi-Pillai, T.
South Dakota medicine the journal of the South Dakota State Medical Association 70(8): 369-371
2017
ISSN/ISBN: 0038-3317 PMID: 28813745 Document Number: 694063
The development of pyogenic hepatic abscess resulting from perforation of the gastrointestinal tract is a rare pathologic finding. It is a condition that can be fatal making early detection and subsequent removal of the inciting foreign body critical to avoid more deleterious sequela. Yet, its initial presentation tends to be nonspecific and typically is only discovered once surgical investigation into the cause of persisting abscess formation is performed. In this study, laparoscopic treatment of a 52-year-old male with a non-resolving hepatic abscess due to transmural gastrointestinal perforation of a toothpick is presented. Although a rare finding, reports of foreign body induced hepatic abscess have recently increased in the world literature, allowing some preliminary efforts in proposing diagnostic characterization. Yet, more case studies will be required to permit validation of these findings making continued reporting of this pathologic process critical.