Abstract

Aim: To report a case of periostomal abscess, its clinical and imaging diagnosis and management. Materials and Method: 77-year-old patient, user of a colostomy with abdominal pain associated to swelling and redness of the skin next to the colostomy. A computed tomography of the abdomen showed a foreign body perforating the ostomized bowel associated to the formation of an abscess. Results: An incision of the gathering was performed, giving out a great quantity of pus and the foreign body, which corresponded to a bird’s tibia. Antibiotic therapy was given, and a Penrose drainage installed. Further controls showed regression of the abscess and no flux from drainage. Discussion: 80%-90% of ingested foreign bodies are eliminated without complications and < 1% produce perforation. This is more common in angled intestinal segments or surgically intervened ones. Clinical features are unspecific, and diagnosis requires suggesting imaging signs. Conclusion: Periostomal abscesses and bowel perforation due to foreign body are infrequent. High diagnostic suspicion and an imaging evaluation may give a precise answer. Besides surgical management, antibiotic coverage for enteropathogens must be associated and a drainage system too in most cases.