Two rare cases of gastric perforation caused by ingested metal bristle: the risk of barbecuing

Gastric perforation due to ingested foreign bodies is rare and often diagnostically challenging. We present two cases of patients presenting with acute abdominal pain after barbecuing in 2024. Both showed gastric perforation due to metal bristle ingestion from grill brushes attached to the food. Consecutively, diagnostic laparoscopy and recovery of the foreign body and gastric perforation repair with sutures were performed. These cases underscore the importance of imaging for operative planning, diagnostic persistence, and awareness of concealed gastric perforation due to foreign body ingestion. Utensils used for food preparation should be considered in differential diagnosis for bowel perforation and liver abscesses. Thin metal wires can detach, be ingested, and cause gastrointestinal complications.