Rectal Foreign Body: An Unusual Case of Self-Harm

Cureus. 2024 Sep 12;16(9):e69277. doi: 10.7759/cureus.69277. eCollection 2024 Sep.

Abstract

Although becoming more common, a foreign body in the rectum remains a challenging presentation. This is due to both a lack of clarity of treatment algorithms and established clinical guideline pathways and trying to avoid invasive methods to improve patient outcomes. We present a case where a foreign body was inserted into the rectum as a form of self-harm requiring emergency theater in the form of a sigmoid colectomy.

Keywords: deliberate self harm; foreign bodies; general surgery; rectal foreign body; urgent laparotomy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports