Intraspinal migration of a rectal foreign body

Area of Science:

• Medicine
• Surgery
• Neurosurgery

Background:

• Intraspinal foreign bodies are exceptionally rare, posing significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.
• Foreign body migration from the gastrointestinal tract into the spinal canal is an uncommon event.

Observation:

• A clinical thermometer bulb perforated the rectum, migrating through the sacral foramina and canal.
• The foreign body reached the epidural space, extending from the S1 to L5 vertebral levels.

Findings:

• An initial laparotomy for retrorectal foreign body removal was unsuccessful.
• Surgical retrieval was ultimately achieved through a laminectomy procedure.

Implications:

• This case highlights the importance of considering unusual etiologies for intraspinal pathology.
• Laminectomy can be an effective retrieval method for deeply migrated intraspinal foreign bodies.
• Accurate anatomical localization and surgical planning are critical for successful removal.