An unusual cause of small bowel obstruction due to an ingested mango seed: a case report

BMC Res Notes. 2017 Nov 2;10(1):549. doi: 10.1186/s13104-017-2875-3.

Abstract

Background: Intestinal obstruction can occur due to multiple aetiologies. Intestinal obstruction due to phytobezoar have been reported. However, intestinal obstruction due to a mango seed has not been reported. Therefore, accidental ingestion of a mango seed is rare, and for an ingested mango seed to cause intestinal obstruction is rarer.

Case presentation: This case report is of a male who accidentally ingested a mango seed and presented with intestinal obstruction. The obstruction was at the terminal ileum. It required laparotomy for retrieval.

Conclusion: It is extremely rare for a mango seed to cause intestinal obstruction. Hence, diagnosis requires a high degree of clinical suspicion. Instead of laparotomy, studies have demonstrated the use of laparoscopy for removal of ingested seeds.

Keywords: Intestinal obstruction; Laparotomy; Mango seed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Foreign Bodies / diagnostic imaging
  • Foreign Bodies / etiology*
  • Foreign Bodies / surgery
  • Humans
  • Ileum* / diagnostic imaging
  • Ileum* / surgery
  • Intestinal Obstruction / diagnostic imaging
  • Intestinal Obstruction / etiology*
  • Intestinal Obstruction / surgery
  • Laparotomy
  • Male
  • Mangifera*
  • Seeds*