Doctors in Vietnam were forced to remove a 20cm plastic bottle from a man's rectum after it became stuck while he was allegedly cleaning himself. The 34-year-old patient required emergency surgery after the object lodged in his back passage, causing severe pain and discomfort.
Incident details
The patient, from Vinh Long Province in southern Vietnam, reportedly made several attempts to remove the bottle himself. However, the object, measuring approximately 20cm long and 5cm in diameter, became lodged deeper inside with each attempt. He was taken to Vinh Long General Hospital on Wednesday, June 9, where scans revealed the bottle was stuck deep in his rectum.
Medical intervention
Doctors warned that without urgent treatment, the patient could face serious complications such as rectal perforation, infection, and peritonitis. A surgical team led by Dr. Tran Nhat Phi successfully removed the bottle during an operation. Medics found no signs of major damage or complications, including perforation.
Recovery and warnings
The patient is recovering well and remains under observation with stable vital signs. Dr. Tran Nhat Phi explained that objects without a flared base can easily become trapped due to natural rectal contractions pulling them further into the body. He noted that such incidents are not uncommon in clinical practice. The lead surgeon added, "However, many people hesitate to go to the hospital due to embarrassment or try to treat it themselves at home, which inadvertently causes the foreign body to move deeper and increases the risk of complications."
Vinh Long General Hospital's General Surgery Department urged anyone experiencing a similar situation to seek immediate medical help rather than attempting removal themselves. Early treatment can help prevent serious injury and reduce the risk of life-threatening complications.
