Symptoms and Signs of Foreign Body in Rectum

Foreign Body in Rectum Symptoms

The majority of people with an object in their rectum may have no signs or symptoms. This can make the diagnosis very difficult, especially in children and in psychiatric patients.

In some cases, especially if there has been a delay in seeking medical attention, a complication may have occurred, which gives rise to symptoms. In this case, these are the symptoms most likely to be experienced by the patient:

• Abdominal pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fever
• Rectal bleeding

Examination may be equally unrevealing. But if the patient has a complication such as peritonitis (inflammation of the inner lining of the abdominal wall) then he or she will have a very tender abdomen.

Foreign Body in Rectum Causes

Foreign objects found in the rectum and anus seem to be limited only by the human imagination.

The majority of objects have been introduced through the anus. But sometimes a foreign body may be swallowed, pass through the digestive tract, and eventually get stuck in the rectum.

Common examples of foreign objects in the rectum include:

• Fruits and vegetables
• Bottles
• Candles
• Objects designed to be placed in the anus (such as vibrators or dildos)

Foreign objects in the rectum also may be found in the following circumstances:

• In children
• In psychiatric patients
• In victims of assault
• As a result of injury caused by medical professionals (examples would be a broken rectal thermometer and broken enema catheter tips)
• As a result of an object used for sexual gratification