Colonic Fishbone-Induced Perforation Involving a Penile Colorectal Carcinoma: A Case Report.

Introduction: Fishbone (FB) ingestion is a rare cause of gastrointestinal perforation. Herein, we report a case of FB-induced colonic perforation, in which the presence of a penile colonic carcinoma may have contributed to the development of the perforation.

Case presentation: An 83-year-old man was admitted to our hospital with severe abdominal pain during bowel movement. Computed tomography (CT) yielded a diagnosis of sigmoid colonic perforation due to FB and secondary peritonitis. Preoperative endoscopic examination suggested that the perforation was associated with a stalked colon tumor in the vicinity. After undergoing low anterior resection and sigmoid colostomy, the patient is currently doing well.

Conclusion: The incidence of FB-induced colorectal-cancer-related perforation is expected to increase in the future owing to an aging society, the increase in the rates of colorectal cancer, and increase in fish consumption. This rare case suggests that preoperative examinations are important and that even relatively small polyps can contribute to gastrointestinal perforation caused by FBs. Older individuals should exercise caution during fish ingestion.