Acupuncture Needle Perforation of the Appendix

Retention of acupuncture needles has been reported. The occurrence may be unidentified and asymptomatic for various periods of time.An 82-year-old woman presented 10 days following an acupuncture treatment for abdominal pain. Her pain increased and CT revealed an acupuncture needle in the area of the appendix. Laparoscopy revealed perforation of the appendix by an intact needle. The acupuncturist must be alert to the number of needles used during and following the procedure including inspection for needle breakage.