Impacted Large Unusual Rectal Foreign Bodies: a Case Series

Abstract

The incidence of cases presenting with foreign bodies in the rectum is increasing. Most of the time, foreign bodies found in the rectum are a conventional object which is self-inserted for sexual activities or to hide it for some illegal trade. But it becomes challenging for the treating surgeons when they come across rare cases who present with an unusual foreign body in the rectum. The management of such unusual and large foreign bodies in the rectum is challenging due to the different nature of objects inserted, the time of insertion, pelvic anatomy, the amount of local contamination, and associated injuries. Apart from few anecdotal case reports, there is little evidence available in the current literature which deals with such unusual and large foreign bodies in the rectum. This study aims to acknowledge the surgeons about challenging situations posed by these unusually large foreign bodies in the rectum and helps them in dealing with it. Here, we are sharing the series of rare cases with unconventional and large foreign bodies in the rectum which have been managed successfully at our tertiary care institute. We find that even the larger rectal foreign body with blunt surfaces may be retrieved transanally without the need of laparotomy while a sharp and pointed foreign body will need surgical retrieval. Reluctance to seek medical help and multiple attempts of self-removal by the patients leads to the delay in the management. With proper evaluation and a diligent approach, laparotomy is rarely required.