Rectal Foreign Body

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 2, 2024.

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What is a rectal foreign body?

A rectal foreign body is an object that got stuck in your rectum.

What are the signs and symptoms of a rectal foreign body?

• Pain or cramps in your abdomen or rectum
• Pain when you try to have a bowel movement
• A feeling of fullness in your rectum
• Constipation
• Trouble urinating
• Bleeding or mucus coming from your rectum

How is a rectal foreign body diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider will examine your rectum and ask about your symptoms. Your provider may be able to feel the object by touching your lower abdomen. Tell your provider the object that is stuck, and when it became stuck. Your provider may use any of the following to find the object:

• A digital rectal exam means your provider feels inside your rectum with gloved fingers.
• X-ray or CT scan pictures may be used to find the object and any damage it may have caused. You may be given contrast liquid to help your rectum show up better in pictures. Tell the provider if you have ever had an allergic reaction to contrast liquid.
• A sigmoidoscopy is a procedure to look inside your rectum and sigmoid colon. The sigmoid colon is the lower part of your intestines, closest to your rectum. A sigmoidoscope will be inserted into your rectum. This is a tube with a light and tiny camera on the end. Pictures appear on a monitor during the procedure.

How is a rectal foreign body 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.

What can I do to manage my 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.

When should I seek immediate care?

• 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.

When should I call my doctor?

• 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.

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