Colorectal trauma caused by foreign bodies introduced during sexual activity: diagnosis and management

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study is to describe 17 cases of colorectal foreign bodies introduced during sexual activity, gathered by the authors over the past twenty years (1980-2000), and to establish diagnostic and therapeutic guidelines for these situations.

Material and methods: A total of 17 patients were treated for rectal trauma caused by foreign bodies due to unusual sexual practice. The extraction of the foreign body was possible through the canal anal in 10 cases using different techniques (gynecological forceps, Foley catheters, etc.), whereas 7 patients required surgical treatment; in five patients a protective colostomy was needed, and in the other two a simple suture of the rectal lesion was performed.

Results: There were no deaths and no post-operative complications. In all cases the colostomy was closed 3-6 months after surgery. There were no cases of anal incontinence.

Conclusions: A detailed clinical history and physical examination are essential for the diagnosis and management of these lesions, in addition to any other diagnostic techniques that might be necessary. Great care should be taken when extracting the foreign body so as to avoid its breakage inside the rectum, which would complicate a rather simple problem.