Abstract
A case of bowel obstruction resulting from bael fruit (Aegle marmelos) in the rectum is described in an Indian Hindu elderly man. To our knowledge, this is probably the first reported case with such a presentation in available literature. Dilemma at unsuspecting clinical history and finding of clinical examination and imaging evaluation made the case more interesting and challenging to manage. The case also highlights the need for awareness, education about prevailing unregulated practice of traditional herbal medical therapy leading to disastrous consequences.
INTRODUCTION
Bowel obstruction is a very common surgical emergency. A number of causative factors have been identified that lead to mechanical bowel obstruction, and having foreign bodies in rectum is one of them. Retained foreign bodies in the rectum represent a common diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. The different modes and reasons for the insertion of foreign body in rectum have been described in literature, but history is more often misleading. Mostly, foreign bodies are inserted through anus intentionally; some are inserted by mistake but insertion for therapeutic purpose is rare.
