A Bowel Perforation That Developed during the Transanal Extraction of
a Large Rectal Foreign Body

Korean J Gastrointest Endosc > Volume 42(6); 2011 > Article

Case Report

Korean Journal of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy 2011;42(6): 406-409.

A Bowel Perforation That Developed during the Transanal Extraction of a Large Rectal Foreign Body

Keun-Suk Yang, M.D., Joung-Ho Han, M.D.^*, Sunyoung Kim, M.D., Woo Hyung Choi, M.D., Hong-Soon Jung, M.D., Eun Chung, M.D., HyenJeong Jeon, M.D.^* and Seijin Youn, M.D.^*

Department of Internal Medicine, Cheongju St. Mary’s Hospital, ^*Chungbuk National University College of Medicine, Cheongju, Korea

Abstract

Rectal foreign bodies are rare clinical problem in South Korea. Although many foreign bodies can be extracted safely using endoscopic procedures, some patients require surgery. Here we describe the case of a 35-year-old male who presented with a rectosigmoid foreign body, a large carrot measuring 28×7 cm. Sigmoidoscopy revealed a carrot in the upper rectum extending to the sigmoid colon. Endoscopic removal failed. The surgeon unsuccessfully attempted to extract the carrot using various tools without spinal anesthesia. During the extraction attempt, the patient complained of sudden abdominal pain, and a simple x-ray revealed pneumoperitoneum. An emergency colotomy and removal of the foreign body was performed, followed by primary repair of the perforation and a colostomy. Three months later, the colostomy was repaired.

Key Words: Foreign body, Rectum, Intestinal perforation, Gastrointestinal endoscopy