The child was brought to the Pediatric Emergency Clinic, Department of Pediatrics - Neonatology, Bach Mai Hospital's Ninh Binh facility, experiencing pain and discomfort in the anal-rectal area. X-ray results confirmed a foreign object in the rectum, leading doctors to recommend endoscopic intervention for its removal.

The removed foreign object was a cylindrical toy bullet, approximately 3x1 cm in size. Following the procedure, the child's condition stabilized, the pain subsided, and they were discharged for home monitoring.

The foreign object removed from the child's rectum. *Photo: Le Dat*

Dr. Vu Quang Hoa, a resident doctor from the Institute of Gastroenterology, explained that the toy bullet's cylindrical shape, smooth surface, and relatively soft material meant its presence in the rectum did not cause bleeding or mucosal abrasions.

If the foreign object inserted by the child were a hard object with sharp edges, such as a Lego piece, hairpin, or screw, the risk of mucosal tearing, rectal perforation, or even gastrointestinal perforation leading to peritonitis would be very high. In such cases, endoscopy would no longer be feasible, and the child would need to undergo emergency open abdominal surgery, which carries many severe long-term consequences.

Doctors advise that foreign object accidents in children are common emergencies, potentially occurring in the airway, digestive tract, nose, ears, or rectum. It is crucial for parents to remain calm and never attempt to remove a foreign object themselves without professional expertise, as this could push the object deeper or cause further injury.

Le Nga