Partial intestinal obstruction after swallowing a self-expanding sponge for weight reduction

• Published in: Deutsche medizinische Wochenschrift Vol. 128; no. 33; p. 1706
• Main Authors: Conze, J, Krones, C J, Prescher, A, Schumpelick, V
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: German
• Published: Germany 15-08-2003
• Subjects: Abdominal Pain - etiology; Acute Disease; Adult; Anti-Obesity Agents - administration & dosage; Anti-Obesity Agents - adverse effects; Appendicitis - diagnosis; Deglutition; Diagnosis, Differential; Female; Foreign Bodies - diagnosis; Foreign Bodies - etiology; Foreign Bodies - surgery; Foreign-Body Migration; Humans; Ileal Diseases - diagnosis; Ileal Diseases - etiology; Ileal Diseases - surgery; Ileocecal Valve; Intestinal Obstruction - diagnosis; Intestinal Obstruction - etiology; Intestinal Obstruction - surgery; Weight Loss
• ISSN: 0012-0472

A 21-year-old woman presented with predominantly right-sided cramp-like abdominal pain which had started the previous day. The abdomen was soft on palpation, the peristaltic sounds increased. Body temperature was normal.
Routine laboratory tests were unremarkable, including white cell count (4.5 G/l). and C-reactive protein.
She was admitted to hospital for observation. Because the symptoms persisted she underwent a right lower laparotomy because acute appendicitis was suspected. Intraperitoneal examination of the intestines revealed a soft, sponge-like foreign body just above the ileocecal valve. The overlying ileum was incised and a sponge removed. Postoperatively the patient reported having taken 4 capsules of CM3, a weight-reducing preparation, about 14 days ago. These capsules dissolve in the stomach and each releases a small sponge which expands and mechanically induces a feeling of satiation. The further course was unremarkable and she was discharged on the 8th postoperative day.
When producing weight-reducing preparations that act according to physico-mechanical principles, anatomical circumstances should be considered, and they should only be taken under medical supervision.