Abstract
The laparoscopic removal of a free intra-abdominal metallic foreign body, which had accidentally passedthrough the abdominal wall, was safely performed using an X-ray image scope. A 64-year-old man hadconsulted another doctor because of an abdominal pain that had occurred while he was operating a grinder.A metallic foreign body in his abdomen was suspected, based on the findings of a plain X-ray film, and hewas referred to our hospital. An abdominal CT scan revealed an intraabdominal metallic fragment ; noorgan injuries nor bleeding were visible. Preoperative examinations and preparations were performed withstrict observation of the patient's condition, and a laparoscopic operation was performed on the seventh dayafter the injury. Using an X-ray image scope, we found the metallic fragment completely hidden in thegreater omentum, the fragment was safely removed using laparoscopic forceps. The patient was dischargedfrom the hospital on the fourth day after the operation. Laparoscopic operations are minimally invasiveand can be safely performed using an X-ray image scope, which is a useful instrument for locating metallicforeign bodies.
