Nonsurgical removal of a rectal foreign body using a vacuum extractor

PURPOSE: Rectal foreign bodies can be extracted by non-surgical methods. However, glass objects require technical considerations to minimize morbidity and may necessitate surgical extraction. We describe a technique that allowed safe transanal extraction of a glass foreign body and avoided laparotomy. METHODS: A patient with a history of a previous rectal foreign body that required laparotomy presented with another incarcerated rectal foreign body. After attempts at manual extraction failed, spinal anesthesia was induced, and an obstetric vacuum extractor was used to transanally withdraw the glass foreign body. RESULTS: The glass foreign body was withdrawn uneventfully using the vacuum extractor. Laparotomy was avoided. The patient was hospitalized for observation and discharged 24 hours later. CONCLUSIONS: Use of the delivery vacuum extractor provided a safe, cost-effective method of glass foreign body removal by the transanal route. Literature review found no other reports of rectal foreign body removal by this method.