Citation

Bahl N, Sciturro M, Lowery D. Cureus 2022; 14(8): e28214.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2022, Curēus)

DOI

10.7759/cureus.28214

PMID

36158408

PMCID

PMC9485011

Abstract

Penetrating injuries are one of the most common types of workplace accidents. The majority of these injury patterns are due to non-missile type, low-velocity sharp objects. We present an uncommon presentation of subacute abdominal pain secondary to non-missile type, high-velocity workplace injury. It is important to keep a wide differential in mind when evaluating patients with lingering abdominal pain without an obvious cause. Additionally, collecting the patient's employment history, occupational exposures, and job tasks are important when a workplace injury is suspected. We present the case of a 59-year-old male with abdominal pain for five weeks. Outpatient CT scan of the abdomen/pelvis demonstrated a metallic foreign body within the abdominal cavity. The patient underwent laparoscopic removal of the intra-abdominal foreign body while utilizing fluoroscopy. He recovered without sequelae and he was free of abdominal pain at six months postoperatively. Overall, it is important to maintain a wide differential when evaluating atypical abdominal pain.

Language: en

Keywords

occupational injuries; penetrating abdominal injury; penetrating trauma; removal of foreign body; undifferentiated abdominal pain