Foreign Body, Rectal

Presentation

Rectal foreign bodies may present with abdominal pain, anorectal pain, obstipation, acute urinary retention, or blood or mucous discharge from the rectum. Such foreign bodies are often difficult to diagnose because the history may not be offered by the patient unless directly asked. Sometimes the patient will not volunteer that any object has been inserted or will give outlandish explanations, such as having sat or fallen onto the object. When interviewed privately in a nonjudgmental manner, however, the patient will usually give an accurate account of the foreign body.

Rectal foreign bodies most commonly are found when an object, such as a dildo or vibrator, is inserted into the rectum by the patient or a partner for sexual stimulation; it then causes pain or bleeding or becomes irretrievable. Presentation is frequently delayed by embarrassment, or prior attempts on the part of the patient to remove the object.

Rectal foreign bodies also are found with practices such as “body packing,” wherein illicit drugs are packed in latex condoms or plastic bags for illegal transport. Rupture of these packets may lead to profound toxicity and death.

Less often, medical instruments, such as enema tips or thermometers, become lodged in the rectum.