It is an object located in the lower digestive tract (rectum, sigma, descending colon) that is not there under normal conditions.
The most common causes are related to acts or "sexual games" in which objects are inserted through the anus for sexual pleasure. Ingestion of foreign objects or bodies most commonly occurs in children or patients with mental disorders or cognitive deficits.
Symptoms derive from local lesions of the mucosa and anal sphincter, perforation of the digestive tract and obstruction of the outflow tract. They include blood in the stool, a feeling of local occupation and possible pain.
Diagnosis is made by directed questioning, physical examination and digital rectal examination. Laboratory tests, plain abdominal X-ray, CT scan and/or fibrocolonoscopy will also be performed.
Treatment includes symptom control with standard analgesics and removal of the foreign body. Removal is usually performed by colonoscopy, although sometimes surgery is necessary to repair internal organ damage.
- Scott R Steele, Joel E Goldberg. Rectal foreign bodies. UpToDate Jun 15, 2015
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