Surgical Management of Needle Ingestion in a Low-resource Setting: A Two-Case Report
Akhaine J. Precious
*
Department of Surgery, Edo Specialist Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria.
Ulo, Rebecca O.
Department of General Medicine, York Teaching Hospital, York, United Kingdom.
Aletor Faith O.
Department of Pediatrics, Edo University Teaching Hospital, Auchi, Edo State, Nigeria.
Umogbai A. David
Department of Orthopedics, Bimma Orthopedic and Medical Hospital, Nigeria.
Nwankwo E. Uche
Emergency Department, Tunbridge Wells Hospital, United Kingdom.
Egwowa M. Elo-Oghene
Department of Internal Medicine, Lily Hospitals Limited, Nigeria.
Akhigbe Mabel O.
Department of Pediatrics, Irrua Specialist Hospital, Edo State, Nigeria.
Ehiede A. Mercy
Department of Family Medicine, University Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria.
Oruo Precious A.
Department of Internal Medicine, Ufor Hospital, Ughelli, Nigeria.
Orakwe T. Alvin
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mehscope Hospital and Fertility Centre, Warri, Delta State, Nigeria.
Odion Hendrix E.
Department of Surgery, Edo Specialist Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria.
Aluede O. Atohengbe
Department of Surgery, Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Nigeria.
Uche-Ugeh N. Ifeoma
Department of Surgery, Asokoro General Hospital University, Nigeria.
Ibhasuote Alfred O.
Department of Surgery, Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Nigeria.
Okonkwo C. Stephen
Department of Surgery University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku Ozalla, Enugu State, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Foreign body ingestion constitutes a significant clinical and emergency concern, particularly among pediatric populations but also affecting adults, often leading to serious or life-threatening complications. Presentation commonly varies depending on the ingested object's type and location; potential squeal include mucosal injury, perforation, mediastinitis, and abscess formation. This report details two cases of sharp foreign body ingestion with distinct predisposing circumstances: (1) an 11-year-old boy who ingested a sewing needle following peer provocation, and (2) an 18-year-old female fashion designer who accidentally swallowed a safety pin in the workplace. Both patients presented with neck discomfort and localized tenderness, and radiographs confirmed transverse positioning of the foreign bodies within the upper esophagus. Due to the absence of available emergency endoscopy services, surgical intervention under general anesthesia was performed successfully in both instances. A transverse cervical approach allowed the safe extraction of the foreign bodies without injury to adjacent structures. Postoperative recovery was uneventful in both patients, with satisfactory outcomes following short periods of nil per os and antibiotic therapy. These cases underscore the necessity of prompt diagnosis and individualized management in resource-limited settings, where surgical retrieval may remain the mainstay when less invasive methods are unavailable. The report highlights the importance of public health education to mitigate risk factors; intentional or accidental and advocates for improved access to endoscopic services. Early intervention is critical to minimizing morbidity and preventing dire complications in cases of sharp foreign body ingestion, especially in low-resource settings.
Keywords: Foreign body, ingestion, surgery, needle