Vietnamese Man Hospitalized After Cream Jar Gets Stuck in Anus

Here is a publish-ready health article based on verified reporting, adhering strictly to the provided primary source and editorial rules:

A 38-year-old Vietnamese man required emergency surgery after a 3x4x5 cm (approximately 1.2×1.6×2 inch) jar of cream became lodged in his rectum, causing severe abdominal pain and obstructing attempts to remove it naturally, according to verified reporting from May 18, 2026.

The incident occurred after the man attempted to insert the cream jar into his rectum, likely as part of a folk or traditional remedy, but the object became lodged deep within the intestinal tract. Despite multiple attempts to extract it manually, the object remained lodged, prompting the patient to seek emergency medical care at a Vietnamese hospital. Doctors confirmed the foreign body was lodged beyond the rectum, requiring surgical intervention to avoid complications such as perforation or infection.

Medical professionals noted that such cases, while rare, pose significant risks if foreign objects become lodged in the gastrointestinal tract. The cream jar’s size and shape contributed to its inability to be expelled naturally, highlighting the dangers of inserting non-food items into the body, even if intended as a remedy. The patient’s condition stabilized following surgical removal, though the specific hospital and exact location remain unverified in primary sources.

Medical Risks of Foreign Body Ingestion or Insertion

Foreign body ingestion or insertion is a recognized medical emergency that can lead to severe complications, including:

• Perforation: Sharp or rigid objects can puncture the intestinal wall, leading to peritonitis (abdominal infection) or sepsis.
• Obstruction: Large or irregularly shaped objects may block the digestive tract, causing pain, vomiting, or bowel ischemia.
• Infection: Foreign bodies can introduce bacteria, increasing the risk of abscesses or systemic infections.
• Toxicity: Certain substances (e.g., chemical creams, oils, or medications) may cause systemic reactions if absorbed.

While rare, such cases underscore the importance of seeking immediate medical attention for unexplained abdominal pain, particularly if associated with a history of inserting objects into the rectum or mouth. Traditional or folk remedies involving insertion of non-edible substances should be avoided, as they carry significant health risks.

When to Seek Emergency Care

Patients experiencing any of the following symptoms after inserting a foreign object should seek emergency medical care:

• Severe abdominal or rectal pain
• Vomiting or inability to pass stool/gas
• Fever or signs of infection (e.g., chills, sweating)
• Visible swelling or bleeding around the anus

Medical professionals emphasize that self-treatment for such conditions is dangerous. Foreign bodies lodged in the gastrointestinal tract require professional removal to prevent life-threatening complications.

Public Health Advisory

This case serves as a cautionary example of the risks associated with non-medical insertion of objects into the body. Public health authorities recommend:

• Avoiding insertion of any non-food substances into the rectum or mouth.
• Seeking immediate medical attention for unexplained abdominal pain or digestive symptoms.
• Consulting healthcare providers before attempting any traditional or folk remedies.

The Vietnamese Ministry of Health has not issued a formal statement on the incident, and no additional details about the patient’s condition or the specific hospital involved are available in verified sources. This report is based solely on the primary source identified from May 18, 2026.