Ingestion of Bell Clappers by a Shaman in Jumla, Nepal: A Case Report

Abstract

Accidental foreign body ingestion is a common problem encountered in Emergency. Deliberate foreign body ingestion may result due to an act of insanity or an act of daring. A shaman locally known as Dhami was brought to Emergency with the history of ingestion of bell clappers. He denied the history of psychiatric illness or substance abuse. On physical examination, there were signs of peritonitis. Laparotomy was done to remove the foreign bodies. Post-operative period was uneventful. Apart from the surgical intervention, psychological counselling was given to him. This is a rare interesting case due to the fact that the 15 cm long foreign bodies passing all the way through without significant injury and finally causing obstruction in ileocecal junction and perforation in the distal ileum.