Intraabdominal Abscess due to Duodenal Perforation by a Toothpick, Mimicking a Pancreatic Cancer

Abstract

Context Although exhaustive evaluation is required to make a diagnosis, pancreatectomies for malignancies eventually prove to be a benign disease. Ingested foreign bodies such as fish bones or needles may occasionally penetrate any segment of the gastrointestinal system. Intraabdominal abscesses secondary to foreign body perforation may mimic malignancies and result in a needless radical surgery. Intraoperative ultrasonography is useful to localize the tumor. Case report A Seventy-four-year-old man who was planned operation for a suspected pancreatic cancer. On exploration, it was proven to be a peripancreatic inflammatory mass developed secondary to a foreign body reaction associated with a toothpick perforated and escaped from the duodenum. Conclusion Our experience in managing this case highlights the need for thorough evaluation and a high index of suspicion for alternate diagnoses when managing atypical pancreatic mass lesions.