[Intestinal perforation secondary to impaction of a retained endoscopic capsule].

We present the first documented case of intestinal perforation due to impaction of an endoscopic capsule. The capsule was used to investigate anemia in an 80-year-old woman and was retained in the intestinal lumen for 2 months without producing symptoms. The patient presented to the emergency service with sudden, intense, diffuse abdominal pain. Hollow viscus perforation was suspected and surgery was performed. The diagnosis was distal ileum perforation secondary to an impacted endoscopic capsule in an area of severe postsurgical adhesions under a subcostal cholecystectomy incision performed 10 years previously. After reviewing the literature, we believe it important to report this exceptional complication of capsule endoscopy and suggest the possible management of capsules retained in the digestive tract.