Fishbone-Induced Gastrointestinal Perforation: A 21-Case Series from Vietnam

Abstract

Gastrointestinal (GI) perforation caused by fishbone ingestion is rare but potentially life-threatening. Because symptoms are nonspecific and most patients do not recall or are unaware of ingesting the bone, diagnosis is often delayed. This study presents a series of 21 patients with fishbone-induced GI perforation and highlights the importance of early surgical intervention. We retrospectively reviewed 21 patients treated at a tertiary referral hospital in southern Vietnam, from June 2022 to August 2024. Data included demographics, symptoms, imaging findings, surgical approach, perforation site, complications, and outcomes. Thirteen patients were female (61.9%), and the mean age was 57.7±13.2 years (range, 39–85). Computed tomography (CT) was performed in 12 patients, and a fishbone was identified in 10 cases (83.3%). Diagnostic laparoscopy was attempted in 17 patients (81%), and the perforation site was identified in all attempted cases. Laparoscopic surgery was completed in 8 patients (47.1%), whereas 9 of 17 patients (52.9%) required conversion to open surgery. Four patients (19.0%) underwent primary open surgery. The most common perforation site was the colon (13 patients, 61.9%), followed by the small intestine (6 patients, 28.6%) and the stomach (2 patients, 9.5%). Postoperative complications occurred in 5 patients (23.8%), and one patient (4.8%) died. The mean postoperative hospital stay was 8.7±5.1 days (range, 3–26). Fishbone-induced GI perforation should be considered in patients with unexplained peritonitis, especially in regions with high fish consumption. CT and laparoscopy are key diagnostic tools. Early surgical intervention reduces morbidity and improves outcomes.

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Cite

BibTeX RIS

BibTeX

@article{la2026fishboneinduced,
  title = {{Fishbone-Induced Gastrointestinal Perforation: A 21-Case Series from Vietnam}},
  author = {Phu Van La and Quan Hong Dang and Vu Anh Doan and Phuc Vinh La and Tu Tuan Duong and Thanh Tung Ngoc Nguyen},
  journal = {The Korean Journal of Gastroenterology},
  year = {2026},
  month = oct,
  doi = {10.4166/kjg.2025.126},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.4166/kjg.2025.126},
  note = {CC BY-NC 4.0},
}

RIS

TY  - JOUR
TI  - Fishbone-Induced Gastrointestinal Perforation: A 21-Case Series from Vietnam
AU  - Phu Van La
AU  - Quan Hong Dang
AU  - Vu Anh Doan
AU  - Phuc Vinh La
AU  - Tu Tuan Duong
AU  - Thanh Tung Ngoc Nguyen
PY  - 2026
DA  - 2026/10/25
JO  - The Korean Journal of Gastroenterology
DO  - 10.4166/kjg.2025.126
UR  - https://doi.org/10.4166/kjg.2025.126
AB  - Gastrointestinal (GI) perforation caused by fishbone ingestion is rare but potentially life-threatening. Because symptoms are nonspecific and most patients do not recall or are unaware of ingesting the bone, diagnosis is often delayed. This study presents a series of 21 patients with fishbone-induced GI perforation and highlights the importance of early surgical intervention. We retrospectively reviewed 21 patients treated at a tertiary referral hospital in southern Vietnam, from June 2022 to August 2024. Data included demographics, symptoms, imaging findings, surgical approach, perforation site, complications, and outcomes. Thirteen patients were female (61.9%), and the mean age was 57.7±13.2 years (range, 39–85). Computed tomography (CT) was performed in 12 patients, and a fishbone was identified in 10 cases (83.3%). Diagnostic laparoscopy was attempted in 17 patients (81%), and the perforation site was identified in all attempted cases. Laparoscopic surgery was completed in 8 patients (47.1%), whereas 9 of 17 patients (52.9%) required conversion to open surgery. Four patients (19.0%) underwent primary open surgery. The most common perforation site was the colon (13 patients, 61.9%), followed by the small intestine (6 patients, 28.6%) and the stomach (2 patients, 9.5%). Postoperative complications occurred in 5 patients (23.8%), and one patient (4.8%) died. The mean postoperative hospital stay was 8.7±5.1 days (range, 3–26). Fishbone-induced GI perforation should be considered in patients with unexplained peritonitis, especially in regions with high fish consumption. CT and laparoscopy are key diagnostic tools. Early surgical intervention reduces morbidity and improves outcomes.
SN  - 1598-9992
SN  - 2233-6869
ER  -

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