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A bread clip is a device used to hold plastic bags (such as the ones presliced bread is commonly packaged in) closed. They are also commonly called bread tags, bread tabs, bread ties, bread crimps, or bread-bag clips. One of the most popular types of bread clip in the Western hemisphere is produced by the Kwik Lok Corporation, Yakima, WA. The ''Kwik Lok'' clip was devised in 1952 when the company's founder, Floyd Paxton, envisioned the prototype while onboard a plane (www.kwiklok.com). This small, innocent-looking plastic object closes billions of bags each year and is freely available in most households. However, little is known about its ability to cause life-threatening complications once swallowed.
A 57-year-old patient presented to the emergency department with abdominal pain and distention for 24 hours. His medical history was significant for exploratory laparotomy for a gunshot wound 14 years ago and medically controlled HIV disease. His vital signs were stable. Laboratory parameters were within normal limits. The abdomen was moderately distended with hypoactive bowel sounds. There were no signs of peritonitis. Computed tomography scan of the abdomen with oral and venous contrast was consistent with partial small bowel obstruction and no abdominal foreign body was seen. The patient was treated with nasogastric suction and parenteral fluids. His condition did not improve over the next 48 hours. Although he continued to pass flatus, the abdominal distention and nasogastric output increased and arrangements were made for exploratory laparotomy.
Abdominal exploration revealed multiple adhesions that were...