Perforation of the splenic flexure of the colon by an ingested wooden toothpick

We present the case of a 23-year-old man who consulted in the emergency department 6 days after ingesting a wooden toothpick with features of a localized peritonitis in the left upper quadrant of the abdomen. Surgical exploration revealed a perforation of the splenic flexure of the colon by the toothpick during its migration. This rare case is analysed in the light of the current literature. There is need for a greater awareness about the dangers of a swallowed toothpick. It is advisable to always trace the toothpick until it is found or expelled.