Rectal abscess secondary to foreign body insertion: A case report.

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Colorectal Surgery
• Diagnostic Imaging

Background:

• Rectal foreign bodies (RFBs) are uncommon but present significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.
• Nonspecific symptoms and potential complications necessitate a thorough diagnostic and treatment approach.
• This case report focuses on the complexities of diagnosing and managing an RFB, emphasizing advanced imaging and multidisciplinary care.

Observation:

• A 48-year-old male presented with a year of anorectal pain and rectorrhagia.
• Initial evaluation revealed a tender rectal lesion; advanced imaging identified an abscess with a foreign body.
• Surgical intervention confirmed necrotic tissue, purulent material, and bone fragments.

Findings:

• Advanced imaging (MRI, endosonography) was crucial in identifying the rectal foreign body and associated abscess.
• Surgical exploration revealed mature bone fragments as the foreign body.
• Pathology confirmed the fragments as mature bone, despite no clear history of ingestion.

Implications:

• This case highlights the diagnostic difficulties of RFBs presenting with vague symptoms and no reported ingestion history.
• Effective management relies on a combination of advanced imaging modalities and a multidisciplinary team approach.
• Early and accurate diagnosis through comprehensive evaluation is essential to prevent complications associated with rectal foreign bodies.