Fishbones Caused Rare Intestinal Injuries in Study
A congenital pouch in the small intestine can trap sharp bones, often requiring surgery to repair.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Nutrition
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A 2025 medical review found that a Meckel diverticulum was the site of 18.2% of fishbone-induced small-intestine perforations. These injuries, which highlight the risks of swallowed foreign bodies, were illustrated by a September 2026 surgical case in Quito, Ecuador.
Why it matters
Swallowed fishbones account for 63% of complications from foreign bodies, with anatomical structures like the Meckel diverticulum acting as traps. Understanding this risk is important, as age-related tooth loss or denture use can impair oral sensation and lead to unintentional ingestion.
A 2025 review of 58 fishbone perforation cases found that 44 occurred in the small intestine, with the Meckel diverticulum implicated in 18.2% of those instances. While CT scans identified the bone in 60.3% of patients, 79.3% of the total cases ultimately required surgery.
The players
Frontiers in Medicine
A peer-reviewed scientific journal that publishes research across medical disciplines.
The details
A Meckel diverticulum is a small, congenital pouch present in approximately 2% of the population. Its narrow opening and tight anatomical bends can easily snag sharp objects like fishbones, which then pierce the intestinal wall. In a recent case, surgeons in Quito, Ecuador, used a stapler during a laparoscopic procedure to remove a perforated pouch from a patient.
Timeline
1949-2025: Period covered by the review of fishbone perforation cases.
August 2025: Frontiers in Medicine published the review findings.
September 2026: Surgeons in Quito performed the reported laparoscopic removal.
September 18, 2026: The case report from Quito was officially published.
Health Landscape
This report builds upon the findings established in the 2025 Frontiers in Medicine review of foreign body perforations. It highlights how clinicians are increasingly recognizing that congenital anatomical variations significantly influence the clinical presentation of swallowed foreign objects.
If you wear dentures or have experienced tooth loss, be mindful of your food choices to reduce the risk of accidentally swallowing sharp objects. Any sudden, severe abdominal pain should be discussed with a physician, as imaging may be required to rule out internal injury.
The takeaway
Swallowed fishbones remain a leading cause of foreign-body complications, with anatomical pouches like the Meckel diverticulum increasing the risk of perforation. If you suspect you have swallowed a sharp object, monitor your symptoms and seek medical advice promptly.
Further reading
Learn more about digestive health and common concerns in our Nutrition section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Medical Daily.
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