The Fish Bone that went too Far: A Geriatric Case of Fish Bone- Induced Colonic Perforation and Abdominal Wall Abscess

Abstract

Accidental ingestion of fish bone is a frequent occurrence, with 84% of cases going unnoticed as they pass through the gastrointestinal tract. However, 10–20% of patients require endoscopic removal, and 1% develop perforations[1]. Diagnosis is challenging due to nonspecific symptoms, and timely surgical intervention is critical to preventing severe complications. We present the case of a 78-year-old male with nonspecific symptoms. Despite treatment for a suspected upper respiratory infection with intravenous antibiotics, his inflammatory markers remained elevated, prompting further investigation. Contrast-enhanced CT revealed a right lower abdominal wall collection with a linear calcified density, raising suspicion of a fish bone.