Case of an intrahepatic sewing needle and review of the literature

An intrahepatic foreign body (FB) is rarely observed. In most cases, object passes from the gastrointestinal tract to the liver via migration. Uncomplicated intrahepatic FB can be followed without surgical intervention; however, complicated intrahepatic FB requires laparoscopy or laparotomy. Presently described is laparoscopic operation on 22-year-old female patient who had incidental sewing needle in the right liver lobe. As there were initially no complications, follow-up monitoring was recommended. However, the patient subsequently complained of stomach pain and developed fever. Laparoscopic exploration located sewing needle in the right liver lobe lateral to the gall bladder with end of needle protruding from the liver. Needle was removed with laparoscopic grasper. Review of the literature regarding 23 other intrahepatic sewing needle cases is also presented.