Clinical characteristics and endoscopic diagnosis and treatment of colorectal foreign body cases

Objective To investigate the clinical features, endoscope diagnosis, and treatment of cases of colorectal foreign bodies. Methods A retrospective analysis of colorectal foreign body cases admitted to the Digestive Endoscope Center from June 2005 to September 2018 were completed. The information of gender, age, source and location of foreign bodies, complications, and methods of removal was collected so that characteristics and management experience were summarized. Results A total of 14 cases of colorectal foreign bodies were included, among which there were 10 males (71%) with an average age of 49 years old (21-80 years old). The origin of foreign body included iatrogenic (5 cases), oral (3 cases), anal (5 cases) and one case of unknown reason. As to the position of foreign bodies, iatrogenic and oral foreign bodies might distribute in the whole colon, while anal foreign bodies located in sigmoid-rectum mainly. In total 6 cases suffered from foreign body-related complications, including mucosal injury (1 case), intestinal wall injury (2 cases), intestinal obstruction (2 cases) and liver abscess (1 case). We attempted to remove foreign bodies under endoscopy in 12 cases, with success in 11 cases; the instruments used were foreign body forceps (7 cases) and snares (5 cases). The main reason of failure was big size of foreign bodies. Conclusions The distribution of colorectal foreign bodies is related to its origin; colorectal foreign bodies may cause colonic mucosal injury, intestinal obstruction or intestinal perforation, and even severe peritoneal infection; when attempting to remove colorectal foreign body under endoscope, foreign body forceps and snares can be used. After the foreign body's removal, it is necessary to be alert of the colon perforation.