Rectal Foreign Body
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jul 7, 2024.
AMBULATORY CARE:
A rectal foreign body
is an object that got stuck in your rectum.
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Common signs and symptoms of a rectal foreign body:
- Pain or cramps in your abdomen or rectum
- Pain when you have a bowel movement
- A feeling of fullness in your rectum
- Constipation
- Trouble urinating
- Bleeding or mucus coming from your rectum
Seek care immediately if:
- You have large amounts of blood coming out of your anus.
- You have pus leaking from your anus.
- You have increased or severe pain in your rectum or abdomen.
- You have more pain when you try to have a bowel movement.
- Your bowel movements are black or bloody.
Call your doctor if:
- You have a fever.
- You cannot have a bowel movement, or you have a change in bowel movements.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
How a rectal foreign body may be removed:
You may need to search for the object every time you have a bowel movement. Do not use laxatives, enemas, suppositories, or stool softeners unless directed. These may lead to rectal damage when inserted or by pushing a sharp object out forcefully. If you are in pain or the object is large or sharp, your provider may remove it. You may be given antibiotics to fight or prevent a bacterial infection. Pain medicine may be needed, depending on how the object is removed. You may be given anesthesia before any of the following to make it easier for the object to be removed:
- Forceps may be used to grab and remove an object if your healthcare provider can reach it. You may be asked to push like you are having a bowel movement while the object is guided out.
- A balloon catheter may be used to pull the object out of your rectum. The catheter is a thin tube with a deflated balloon at the end. Your provider will insert the balloon catheter into your anus and move it up until it goes past the object. Your provider will then inflate the balloon. This procedure may be done if the object is smooth or blunt.
- Surgery may be needed if other treatments fail to remove the object.
Manage your symptoms:
- Prevent constipation. Eat more fruits, vegetables, and whole-grain breads to increase the amount of fiber you have each day. Drink more liquids. Fiber and liquid help prevent constipation. Do not strain to have a bowel movement. The strain may cause more damage.
- Take sitz baths as directed. A sitz bath is a portable tub that fits into the toilet basin. You can also soak in a bathtub that has 4 to 6 inches of warm water. Stay in the sitz bath or tub for 15 to 20 minutes. Ask your healthcare provider how often to do this.
- Do not insert anything into your anus or rectum unless directed. Items such as rectal thermometers and suppositories can cause damage while you are healing.
Follow up with your doctor as directed:
Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
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