Management of Transanal Recto-Anal Foreign Body in a School-Aged Child: A Report of a Rare Case

Transrectal recto-anal foreign bodies are occasionally encountered in routine practice, with sexual experimentation as the most common motivation for insertion. Although most patients with recto-anal foreign bodies are middle-aged, reports in younger patients are rare. In the present study, we encountered a case of recto-anal foreign body in a school-aged child. This report highlights some unique precautions for managing such cases in this population. The patient, a 12-year-old male, was referred to our department after a lip balm was inserted transanally, causing persistent discomfort. The patient exhibited no spontaneous abdominal pain or tenderness. The motive for inserting the foreign body was sexual interest. An abdominopelvic CT scan showed a foreign body that had entered the upper rectum. Lumbar anesthesia was administered, and the patient was positioned in the lithotomy position. Under a lower endoscope, one end of the foreign body was grasped with forceps and withdrawn into the lower rectum. The foreign body was removed with the assistance of an assistant performing anal dilatation. The patient was discharged the next day after confirming the absence of complications. Managing recto-anal foreign bodies in younger patients requires specific considerations, such as gentle handling to avoid damage due to stronger anorectal tonus. Moreover, it is crucial to assess potential social or psychological factors, including the possibility of abuse or bullying, that may underlie the insertion of the foreign body.