HPB P48 Liver Abscess Secondary to Cocktail Stick Migration Following Accidental Ingestion

Abstract

Abstract Background Liver abscess formation following foreign body ingestion is rare. This may occur if the foreign body is lodged in the upper gastrointestinal tract and persists. Initial management consists of antibiotics with or without percutaneous abscess drainage. However, referral to the regional HPB unit may need to be considered to discuss foreign body retrieval, especially if it is located within the liver parenchyma itself, in order to treat persistent sepsis or prevent abscess recurrence in the future. Methods A 38-year-old gentleman, previously healthy, presented to the emergency department of a district general hospital with nausea, upper abdominal pain, and fever. He stated that he had accidentally ingested a piece of a wooden cocktail stick while eating some weeks back. Leucocytosis and raised inflammatory markers were present on bloodwork. Computed tomography revealed a 6 cm hypoattenuating lesion in the left lobe of the liver, which demonstrated features of a hepatic abscess on magnetic resonance imaging. Abdominal ultrasound visualised a 4 cm linear hyperechoic structure within the hypoechoic lesion, raising the suspicion of foreign body retention with abscess formation. Results The fever subsided, and symptoms resolved with antibiotics. Follow-up imaging revealed abscess resolution with foreign body persistence in the liver. He was referred to the regional HPB unit and underwent laparoscopy for foreign body removal. A fistulous communication between liver segment II and lesser curvature of the stomach was seen and disconnected using diathermy. Minimal pus was drained and the foreign body retrieved. The gastric perforation was sealed using a linear stapling device. A nasogastric tube was left in the stomach until the patient tolerated a liquid diet and discharged on the first post-operative day. He remains well on follow-up. Conclusions This case highlights that scrupulous history taking and imaging review are required for a timely diagnosis of foreign body retention.