YANGZHOU, CHINA – A cautionary tale against unverified health remedies emerged from Yangzhou, Jiangsu, when a man suffering from severe constipation sought emergency medical attention on March 27, 2025, after a 15-centimeter cucumber became lodged in his rectum. Physicians at Yangzhou Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital successfully removed the foreign object, prompting experts to emphasize the severe risks associated with self-treating chronic digestive issues with dangerous, unproven methods.
The patient, who initially presented with intense lower abdominal pain and swelling, was reluctant to disclose the cause of his discomfort, according to Dr. Chen Xiao, the attending coloproctologist. Under careful questioning, the man admitted he had inserted the cucumber rectally the previous night, believing it to be a folk remedy to stimulate bowel movements for his chronic constipation. He attributed his ongoing digestive problems to a lifestyle involving frequent late-night gaming and a diet high in fried, processed foods. After the object slipped completely into the rectum, he was unable to remove it, leading to agonizing discomfort.
Hazardous Self-Treatment Highlights Public Health Risk
Rectal foreign bodies pose a significant medical emergency due to the risk of internal injury. Dr. Chen’s examination quickly located a hard object, but a subsequent CT scan revealed the true extent of the problem: a long, cylindrical foreign object, measuring approximately 15 centimeters, extended into the sigmoid colon area. The location, about five centimeters beyond the anal canal, made manual removal impossible.
An immediate, non-invasive procedure was necessary. Dr. Chen utilized anesthesia to relax the anal sphincter and, over a 20-minute operation, successfully extracted the intact cucumber using a soft, rounded clamp. The patient was admitted for observation following the extraction.
This incident underscores the perilous nature of attempts to alleviate common ailments like constipation through non-medical means. In Hong Kong, constipation is a prevalent concern, affecting an estimated 14.3% of community-dwelling adults, according to data from the Hospital Authority. However, experts strongly advise consulting healthcare professionals rather than resorting to internet-sourced remedies.
Medical Experts Warn Against Rectal Insertion Dangers
Dr. Chen warned that cases of rectal foreign body insertion, while often sensationalized, are not uncommon in hospital settings and frequently lead to serious or fatal complications. The anal canal is only about 3 to 4 centimeters long, beyond which lies the rectum. Due to the natural contraction of the anal sphincter, objects inserted often travel deeper into the rectum, becoming trapped.
The consequences of such insertions can be severe, including mucosal damage, bleeding, anal fissures, and potentially permanent incontinence. In grave cases, the trauma can result in rectal or colonic perforation, leading to life-threatening abdominal infection (peritonitis) or even death.
This case serves as a stark reminder about the importance of medical professionalism in treating digestive issues. Individuals suffering from chronic constipation should seek advice on lifestyle changes—such as dietary adjustments and increased water intake—or pharmaceutical interventions from licensed healthcare providers. Ignoring professional guidance in favor of unverified practices can turn a simple health concern into an emergency demanding surgical intervention.