A man in central Taiwan experienced severe abdominal bloating and was unable to pass stool for three days before seeking medical attention. During an X-ray examination, doctors were shocked to find a ceramic cup, approximately 6 cm in diameter and 8 cm tall, lodged deep in his rectum with the opening facing downward, causing partial intestinal ischemia and tissue death.
Dr. Wu Kunda, a surgeon from Taichung Veterans General Hospital consulting at Li General Hospital, said the patient initially did not disclose the presence of the foreign object due to embarrassment, only mentioning his inability to defecate. Attempts to remove the cup using surgical instruments failed, as the smooth surface posed a high risk of breaking the cup or injuring the intestines. Surgeons ultimately performed open abdominal surgery under general anesthesia, taking over two hours to safely remove the cup and create a colostomy to allow for post-operative bowel movements.
Dr. Wu warned that inserting objects into the rectum is often linked to curiosity or seeking stimulation, and improper handling can result in sphincter damage, intestinal necrosis, or even life-threatening peritonitis. He noted past cases involving baseballs, massage sticks, and even coconuts, urging the public to avoid such practices to prevent irreversible injuries.
