Metallic Foreign Body in Appendix - A Case of Recurrent Appendicitis

Foreign bodies are rare causes of appendicitis and, in most cases, ingested foreign bodies pass through the alimentary tract asymptomatically. However, ingested foreign bodies may sometimes remain silent within the appendix for many years without an inflammatory response. Despite the fact that cases of foreign-body induced appendicitis have been documented, sharp and pointed objects are more likely to cause perforations and abscesses, and present more rapidly after ingestion. Various materials, such as needles and drill bits, as well as organic matter, such as seeds, have been implicated as causes of acute appendicitis. Clinical presentation can vary from hours to years. Blunt foreign bodies are more likely to remain dormant for longer periods and cause appendicitis through obstruction of the appendiceal lumen. We present a case of ingested metallic pointed foreign body in the lumen of appendix. The contrast between the pointed nature of the foreign body and long duration of symptoms is notable. We suggest elective diagnostic laparoscopy with subsequent laparoscopic appendectomy as a feasible management option.