Surgery for Rectal Foreign Bodies

Abstract

The majority of retained foreign bodies can be extracted though the anus. A detailed history should be elicited. Patients are frequently uncomfortable discussing the circumstances and should be interviewed privately. Some objects may present a risk to the physician, such as broken glass (glass thermometers, light bulbs, and jars), and this should be specifically queried. Extraction may be performed in the office or emergency department, but often requires sedation and local anesthesia. Rarely, an abdominal procedure (laparotomy or laparoscopy) is required to remove foreign bodies.