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Foreign bodies in the rectum: an analysis of 30 patients
Cemil Caliskan1, Ozer Makay, Ozgur Firat
1Division of Proctology, Department of General Surgery, Ege University School of Medicine, 35100, Bornova, Izmir, Turkey.
Purpose:
A foreign body in the rectum is a rare clinical entity. These foreign bodies can be classified under two major groups: the ones that are inserted from the anus and the ones that are swallowed and thereafter become stuck in the rectum.
Methods:
Data of patients admitted with a foreign body in the rectum between 1988 and 2008 were retrospectively analyzed. A total of 30 patients were reviewed.
Results:
The most common reason for a foreign body in the rectum was insertion for erotic purposes, which was seen in 19 of the 30 patients. All these patients were male. The remaining 11 patients reported nonerotic causes. The most efficient and implemented therapeutic method was simple extraction during the first examination.
Conclusions:
The most common reason for a foreign body in the rectum is insertion for erotic purposes. The first target of therapy should be extraction of the foreign body using the simplest method possible. Meanwhile, protecting the integrity of the intestine is of the utmost importance. The care for maintaining the integrity of the rectum should include an evaluation of the patient's psychological status.
Insights
Rectal foreign bodies are rare, often resulting from erotic insertion in males. Simple extraction is the primary treatment, emphasizing rectal integrity and psychological evaluation.
Area of Science:
- Colorectal surgery
- Gastroenterology
- Emergency medicine
Background:
- Rectal foreign bodies are uncommon medical emergencies.
- These objects can be introduced anally or ingested.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the etiology and management of rectal foreign bodies.
- To identify the most frequent causes and effective treatments.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of patient data from 1988 to 2008.
- Review of 30 patients admitted with rectal foreign bodies.
Main Results:
- Erotic insertion was the most common cause (19/30 patients), exclusively in males.
- Non-erotic causes accounted for the remaining 11 patients.
- Simple extraction during initial examination proved most effective.
Conclusions:
- Erotic insertion is the leading cause of rectal foreign bodies.
- Prioritize simple extraction while preserving rectal integrity.
- Psychological assessment is crucial for comprehensive patient care.
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