Small bowel perforation following accidental ingestion of grill brush bristle. A case report

Introduction: Ingested foreign bodies are common in otolaryngology and gastrointestinal surgery, with grill brush bristles posing different risks. This case report describes a small bowel perforation after ingestion of a grill brush bristle. This is an extremely rare complication.

Case report: A 51-year-old woman presented with two days of left-sided abdominal pain. Lab tests showed elevated CRP, and a CT scan indicated inflammation and a possible foreign body. Diagnostic laparoscopy revealed a wire bristle perforating the small intestine, leading to resection and anastomosis. The bristle was likely from a grill brush. The patient recovered well and was discharged three days later.

Discussion: Grill brush bristles can detach, be ingested, and cause gastrointestinal perforation. Symptoms are often delayed, complicating diagnosis. CT imaging and laparoscopy were key in identifying and treating this case. Increased public awareness of the risks and promotion of safer grill-cleaning tools could reduce such incidents.

Conclusion: Ingested grill brush bristles can cause serious complications. Early recognition, imaging, and timely surgery are essential, along with public education to prevent future cases.