Laparoscopic-assisted rectal foreign body removal: report of a case

Abstract

Purpose: Rectal foreign bodies are not an uncommon presentation to the emergency department. Frequently they can be removed in the department through the transanal approach. However, this often is not well tolerated by the patient or can force the foreign body more proximal. We present a case of a difficult rectal foreign body in an obese patient that was successfully removed transanally in the operating room with laparoscopic assistance.

Methods: Under general anesthesia, with the patient in Trendelenburg position, laparoscopy was used to push the rectal foreign body from above while it was removed transanally from below. This was performed with one 10-mm and two 5-mm incisions.

Results: The foreign body was successfully removed transanally with laparoscopic assistance, and the patient was discharged within 12 hours from the operation.

Conclusions: The laparoscopic approach to assist in rectal foreign body removal is a good treatment choice for difficult cases. It allows for easy removal, detection of rectal injury, and early discharge.