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Published on: November 9, 2016

Management of foreign bodies in the rectum

J I Rodríguez-Hermosa1, A Codina-Cazador, B Ruiz

  • 1Department of Colorectal and General Surgery, Hospital Universitari de Girona Dr josep Trueta, Girona, Spain. joserod@eresmas.net

Colorectal Disease : the Official Journal of the Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland
|June 19, 2007
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Foreign bodies (FB) in the rectum are rare but require prompt treatment. Diagnosis involves suspecting FB with specific symptoms, and treatment varies from simple extraction to surgery, with most patients recovering well.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Colorectal Surgery
  • Emergency Medicine

Background:

  • Foreign bodies (FB) in the rectum present an infrequent clinical challenge.
  • FB typically reach the rectum via anal insertion or oral ingestion.
  • This study details the experience with diagnosis and management of rectal FB.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe the clinical experience in diagnosing and treating foreign bodies (FB) retained in the rectum.
  • To review extraction methods, object characteristics, and patient outcomes.
  • To highlight the importance of prompt diagnosis and treatment of rectal FB.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective data collection from 1997 to 2004.
  • Inclusion of 30 patients (20 men, 10 women; median age 42.5 years).
  • Review of extraction techniques, FB type/size, and post-extraction outcomes.

Main Results:

  • FB were introduced anally in 16 cases and orally in 14.
  • Commonly associated factors included mental disorders (11 patients) and recent sexual activity (14 patients).
  • Constipation with pelvic/anal discomfort was the most frequent symptom (77%); treatments ranged from spontaneous ejection to laparotomy, with most experiencing Grade I rectal trauma. Six patients required colostomy, and four had complications, but all recovered without sequelae.

Conclusions:

  • Rectal FB diagnosis should be considered with unexplained pelvic/perianal pain or rectal bleeding, especially with unconvincing patient histories.
  • Foreign bodies in the rectum are serious and necessitate immediate treatment due to potential complications.
  • Prompt management ensures recovery without long-term sequelae.

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