Trans-anal Extraction of a Rectal Foreign Body Using Abdominal Wall Compression

Abstract

We report two cases in which a rectal foreign body was successfully removed transanally by judicious abdominal wall compression. Case 1 was a female patient in her 40s who presented with an entrapped silicone sex toy. Although the object was neither visible nor palpable on digital rectal examination, CT showed its tip abutting the abdominal wall. Gentle abdominal wall compression allowed palpation and distal displacement towards the anal canal, permitting safe transanal extraction. Case 2 was a male patient in his 80s who presented with a wooden sex toy impacted in the pelvis. A firm mass was palpable on the abdominal wall, and CT revealed the tip of the foreign body. Although the object was immobile on rectal examination, muscle relaxation after general anesthesia induction restored its mobility. Abdominal wall compression subsequently facilitated transanal removal of the foreign body without surgical intervention. These case reports indicate that thorough imaging evaluation, understanding of the foreign body fixation characteristics, and judicious application of abdominal wall compression can permit minimally invasive and safe retrieval of rectal foreign bodies, potentially avoiding laparotomy.