Introduction:
Phallic objects may cause large bowel obstruction if not promptly removed. A bi-manual technique with the aid of a Magill's forceps is presented here.
Presentation of case:
A 68-year-old man presented to the emergency department with severe lower abdominal discomfort, distension and inability to pass urine, flatus or bowel motions. He had inserted a phallic object in the rectum 10 hours prior to presentation and had been unable to remove same. Abdominal examination was remarkable for distension with tenderness also elicited suprapubically and in the left iliac fossa. The foreign body was barely palpable per rectum. Plain radiographs showed prominent left-sided colonic segments. Following the trial of a manual attempt at removal in the emergency department, a decision was made to remove this under anaesthesia due to worsening symptoms. The phallic object was successfully removed under general anaesthesia using bi-manual manipulation assisted by a pair of Magill's forceps.
Discussion:
The method of removal of phallic objects varies from one individual case to another. In the presence of obstruction, a quick decision must be made for removal under general anaesthesia and the patient will also need to be consented for laparotomy. Previous literature described a "cork-in-bottle" technique using myomectomy screws as well as use of single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) ports for removal of phallic objects.
Conclusion:
Extraction of phallic objects requires ingenuity. We describe another minimally invasive technique of removal that adds to the literature, thereby limiting the need for laparotomy and open removal of foreign bodies.