Unusual rectal foreign body presenting as intestinal obstruction: a case report

Abstract

Colorectal foreign bodies are infrequently encountered, and are mostly associated with increased incidence of homosexuality and anal auto-erotism. The diagnosis may be confirmed by plain abdominal radiographs and rectal examination, but abdominal computerized tomography can be decisive in the further management. Manual extraction is only possible for very low-lying objects; patients with high-lying foreign bodies usually require a major intervention in the operation theater. An early decision of laparotomy should only be made after subjecting the patient to suitable investigations to determine exactly the localization of the object, in order to avoid any inadvertent damage to the adjoining vasculature as well as anal incontinence. We report the case of a young adult male who presented in the emergency department with an incarcerated, large, neglected rectal foreign body, a 'bull horn', causing intestinal obstruction. Emergent laparotomy was required for its removal.