Every year in the United States, thousands of people are admitted to hospitals for a reason that rarely appears in public health brochures: foreign objects becoming lodged in the rectum. Emergency physicians say the cases arrive steadily throughout the calendar year, but many note a distinct seasonal pattern. Around major holidays—especially Christmas—objects tied to celebration, decoration, and novelty begin appearing in emergency departments with surprising regularity.
According to emergency medicine doctors who spoke with reporters, the phenomenon is not driven by children or accidents, but overwhelmingly involves adults. During festive periods, familiar household items take on new meanings, and creativity—sometimes fueled by alcohol, social pressure, or curiosity—can turn everyday objects into unexpected medical hazards.
Physicians stress that while these cases may sound unusual, the medical consequences are very real. The rectum is not designed to accommodate rigid, fragile, or irregularly shaped items, and attempts to insert non-medical objects can lead to serious injury, infection, or surgical emergencies.
A Seasonal Pattern Emergency Doctors Recognize
Dr. Barry Hahn, an emergency medicine physician based in New York, says the holiday season reliably brings an uptick in these cases. He explains that while foreign-object insertions happen year-round, holidays seem to lower inhibitions and increase experimentation.
“During the holiday season, people tend to become more festive and more inventive,” he said. “Kids may accidentally swallow small objects, but adults tend to place things in strategic locations lower down the body.”
Emergency staff describe Christmas-related objects as particularly common in December. Over the years, physicians have treated patients with ornaments, miniature decorative trees, and novelty holiday figurines lodged internally. While privacy laws prevent doctors from sharing identifying details, many say the objects themselves are often memorable enough to become cautionary tales within medical circles.
Christmas Decorations That Became Medical Risks
Among the more frequently reported holiday-themed items are decorative ornaments made of plastic or porcelain. While they may appear smooth on the outside, these decorations often contain seams, hooks, or fragile sections that can crack under pressure.
Doctors have also encountered model snowmen and miniature Christmas trees—objects designed to sit on shelves, not endure internal pressure. Some cases involved candy canes, which may seem harmless but can soften, bend, or break, increasing the risk of injury during removal.
In a few notable instances, physicians have retrieved small novelty figures, including themed toys and landmarks. Emergency doctors emphasize that these are not isolated stories but part of a broader pattern seen nationwide.
Beyond the Holidays: Other Unusual Objects Found in Patients
While festive items draw attention, doctors say many of the most dangerous cases involve everyday household objects. Over decades of practice, emergency physicians have documented a wide range of items requiring urgent medical intervention.
Dr. Stuart Fischer, an emergency medicine physician in New York City, described the diversity of objects he has personally encountered. These include hygiene products, dental care items, and even household hardware.
“One case involved a large toothpaste dispenser—the type where you push the top and the product comes out,” Dr. Fischer recalled. The patient reported sitting down and later realizing something was wrong, prompting the hospital visit.
Other documented objects in medical literature and emergency department reports include:
- Bottles and jars of various sizes
- Bottle lids and caps
- Flashlights
- Candles
- Small kitchen utensils
- Cosmetic containers
- Bathroom accessories
- Household knobs and handles
Many of these items lack a flared base, which doctors say is one of the most important safety features in any device designed for medical or personal use.
Rare but Serious Cases Involving Living Creatures
Physicians also acknowledge that some of the most serious and ethically troubling cases involve animals. While extremely rare, these incidents are documented in medical history and emergency medicine case studies.
Dr. Fischer recalled one such case involving a small animal that did not survive due to lack of oxygen. X-ray imaging confirmed the presence of skeletal remains, and the patient required immediate medical care.
Doctors emphasize that these cases are medical emergencies involving both severe physical risk and legal implications. Modern emergency departments treat such incidents with urgency while prioritizing patient safety and appropriate reporting protocols.
Why Objects Become Trapped Inside the Body
From a medical perspective, the rectum presents unique challenges. Its muscular walls are designed to hold and expel waste, not foreign objects. Once an object passes a certain point internally, the body’s natural reflexes can pull it further in.
Doctors describe a suction-like effect created by muscular contraction. If an object does not have a wide base or retrieval feature, it can become extremely difficult—or impossible—to remove without medical assistance.
Additionally, pressure inside the body can cause fragile objects to crack or shatter. Even smooth materials may develop sharp edges under force, increasing the risk of internal injury.
Potential Medical Complications
Emergency physicians consistently warn that inserting non-medical objects into the body can lead to serious complications, including:
- Internal cuts or abrasions
- Rectal or bowel perforation
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Severe pain
- Long-term digestive issues
In rare but serious cases, untreated injuries can lead to life-threatening infections requiring intensive care.
Doctors stress that embarrassment should never prevent someone from seeking help. Early medical intervention greatly reduces the risk of complications and the need for surgery.
How Doctors Remove Foreign Objects Safely
In many cases, emergency physicians are able to remove foreign objects without surgery. Patients are typically sedated or given anesthetics to relax the muscles, allowing doctors to extract the object carefully.
If standard methods fail, surgical intervention may be required. Surgeons aim to remove the object while minimizing damage and preserving normal function.
Physicians note that the earlier a patient arrives at the hospital, the higher the likelihood of non-surgical treatment.
What Medical Research Shows About the Scale of the Issue
A major analysis conducted by researchers at the University of Rochester examined hospital data between 2012 and 2021. The study found that nearly 40,000 Americans were hospitalized during that period for foreign objects lodged in the rectum—an average of almost 4,000 cases per year.
The research revealed clear demographic patterns:
- Nearly 80 percent of patients were male
- The most affected age group was men in their 20s and early 30s
- Bottles, jars, and bottle lids were the most common non-sexual objects involved
These findings suggest the issue is far more common than many people realize, cutting across regions, professions, and backgrounds.
Doctors’ Advice: Prevention Over Treatment
Emergency physicians repeatedly emphasize that prevention is the only safe approach. Household items, decorative objects, and novelty products are not designed for internal use and carry unpredictable risks.
Doctors advise that if someone experiences discomfort, pain, or loss of control involving a foreign object, they should seek medical care immediately rather than attempting removal at home.
Medical professionals also encourage open conversations about safety and education, noting that many emergencies could be avoided with better awareness.
A Serious Message Behind Unusual Stories
While these cases often attract attention due to their unusual nature, doctors say the underlying issue is not humor but health. Every emergency department visit represents a real person facing fear, pain, and potential long-term consequences.
Holiday decorations, novelty items, and everyday household objects are meant to bring comfort or celebration—not medical emergencies. Physicians hope that by speaking openly about these cases in a factual, non-judgmental way, fewer people will experience preventable injuries.
As emergency doctors consistently remind patients: if an object was not designed for internal medical use, it does not belong inside the body—no matter the season.
