Martínez-Hincapie CI, González-Arroyave D, Ardila CM. Rectal abscess secondary to foreign body insertion: A case report. World J Clin Cases 2025; 13(18): 103438 [DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v13.i18.103438]
Corresponding Author of This Article
Carlos M Ardila, Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry Universidad de Antioquia, Calle 70 No. 52-21, Medellín 0057, Antioquia, Colombia. martin.ardila@udea.edu.co
Research Domain of This Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Article-Type of This Article
Case Report
Open-Access Policy of This Article
This article is an open-access article which was selected by an in-house editor and fully peer-reviewed by external reviewers. It is distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial (CC BY-NC 4.0) license, which permits others to distribute, remix, adapt, build upon this work non-commercially, and license their derivative works on different terms, provided the original work is properly cited and the use is non-commercial. See: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
World J Clin Cases. Jun 26, 2025; 13(18): 103438 Published online Jun 26, 2025. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v13.i18.103438
Rectal abscess secondary to foreign body insertion: A case report
Cristina Isabel Martínez-Hincapie, Daniel González-Arroyave, Carlos M Ardila
Cristina Isabel Martínez-Hincapie, Daniel González-Arroyave, Department of Surgery, Pontificia Universidad Bolivariana, Medellín 050031, Antioquia, Colombia
Carlos M Ardila, Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry Universidad de Antioquia, Medellin 0057, Antioquia, Colombia
Carlos M Ardila, Department of Periodontics, Saveetha Dental College, and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Saveetha, Saveetha 600077, India
Author contributions: Martínez-Hincapie CI, González-Arroyave D, and Ardila CM performed the conceptualization, data curation, data analysis, manuscript writing, and revision of the manuscript.
Informed consent statement: The participant provided informed written consent prior to study enrollment.
Conflict-of-interest statement: The authors declare having no conflicts of interest.
CARE Checklist (2016) statement: The authors have read the CARE Checklist (2016), and the manuscript was prepared and revised according to the CARE Checklist (2016).
Open Access: This article is an open-access article that was selected by an in-house editor and fully peer-reviewed by external reviewers. It is distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution NonCommercial (CC BY-NC 4.0) license, which permits others to distribute, remix, adapt, build upon this work non-commercially, and license their derivative works on different terms, provided the original work is properly cited and the use is non-commercial. See: https://creativecommons.org/Licenses/by-nc/4.0/
Corresponding author: Carlos M Ardila, Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry Universidad de Antioquia, Calle 70 No. 52-21, Medellín 0057, Antioquia, Colombia. martin.ardila@udea.edu.co
Received: November 19, 2024 Revised: January 16, 2025 Accepted: February 12, 2025 Published online: June 26, 2025 Processing time: 100 Days and 5.3 Hours
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Rectal foreign bodies, though uncommon, present diagnostic and therapeutic challenges, particularly when they result from accidental ingestion. The nonspecific symptoms and the potential for serious complications necessitate a thorough and methodical approach to diagnosis and treatment. This case report aims to highlight the diagnostic complexities and management strategies involved in treating a patient with a rectal foreign body, focusing on the use of advanced imaging techniques and the importance of a multidisciplinary approach.
CASE SUMMARY
A 48-year-old male with a history of hypertension presented with a one-year history of post-defecation anorectal pain and mild post-defecation rectorrhagia. Initial evaluation revealed hemodynamic stability and a tender, non-mucosal lesion in the anterior left rectal region. Imaging studies, including colonoscopy, magnetic resonance imaging, and endosonography, identified an erythematous, exophytic lesion and a perirectal abscess containing a foreign body. Surgical intervention revealed necrotic tissue and purulent material, along with two solid foreign body fragments (bone or plant matter). Postoperative follow-up showed the patient in good condition, and pathology confirmed the fragments as mature bone.
CONCLUSION
This case underscores the diagnostic challenges posed by rectal foreign bodies with nonspecific symptoms and no clear history of ingestion.
Core Tip: This case report highlights the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges of rectal foreign bodies, emphasizing the crucial role of advanced imaging techniques, including colonoscopy, magnetic resonance imaging, and endosonography, in accurate diagnosis. A multidisciplinary approach combining endoscopic and surgical expertise is essential for successful management. Comprehensive physical examination and regular postoperative follow-up are vital to ensure recovery and monitor for complications. Patient education on the risks of ingesting foreign objects, particularly in high-risk groups, is imperative for prevention. This report underscores the importance of a thorough and methodical approach in managing rectal foreign bodies with nonspecific symptoms and no clear history of ingestion.
