Foreign Body Insertions: A Review

Abstract

Anorectal and urethral foreign body insertions (polyembolokoilamania) are not infrequent presentations to the ED. The motivations behind these insertions vary, ranging from autoeroticism to reckless behavior. These insertions can lead to major complications and even death. Though ED staff members are used to the unpredictability of human behavior, foreign body insertions bring a mixture of responses from the staff, ranging from awe and incredulousness to anger and frustration. A knowledge and comfort in managing these cases includes a nonjudgmental triage assessment, collective professionalism, and self-awareness of the staff's reaction. Case 1 A 58-year-old man presented to the ED for evaluation of a foreign body in his rectum. He admitted to placing a beer bottle in his rectum, but was unable to remove it at home. The staff reported that the patient was previously seen in the ED for removal of a vibrator from his rectum. Radiographic evaluation in the form of an acute abdominal series was obtained and confirmed a beer bottle in the rectum (Figures 1 and 2). This study was performed prior to the rectal examination to evaluate the orientation and integrity of the item, to prevent accidental injury from sharp objects. On examination, there was palpable glass in the rectum consistent with the rounded base of a bottle. The glass appeared intact and no gross bleeding was noted. Given the orientation of the bottle on the X-ray image, a surgical consultation was obtained and the patient Treating patients who present with foreign body insertions requires a nonjudgmental and open-minded approach.

Evaluation of the Quality and Readability of Web-Based Information Regarding Foreign Bodies of the Ear, Nose, and Throat: Qualitative Content Analysis (Preprint)

“…This approach to providing safety advice is underpinned by the principles of the Health Belief Model (HBM) [10], whereby important health-related actions are more likely to be taken when individuals are aware of both the benefits and steps of the action as well as the risks of [11]. The quality of foreign body-related safety advice is therefore central to this process [12].…”