Man hospitalized in João Pessoa after severe injury from inserting coconut in anus

A man from Belém, Pará, was admitted to the Senator Humberto Lucena State Emergency and Trauma Hospital in João Pessoa on the night of Tuesday, May 27, 2025, after inserting a coconut into his anus, resulting in intense pain and significant hemorrhage. The patient, whose identity was not disclosed, received initial care at a health unit in Belém before being transferred to the Paraíba capital due to the severity of the case. The injury caused by the foreign object required evaluation for possible surgical intervention, as reported by hospital sources. The case, covered by Portal T5, highlights the complexity of medical care in unusual trauma situations. The transfer was necessary for access to specialized resources, and the Mobile Emergency Care Service (SAMU) assisted in the transport.

The incident drew attention due to the severity of the internal injuries, which compromised the patient’s health. Inserting objects into the body, though rare, can cause serious complications, requiring immediate medical attention.

• Factors aggravating the condition: Internal hemorrhage, intense pain, and risk of infection.
• Initial procedures: Stabilization in Belém and transport to João Pessoa.
• Destination: Specialized trauma center in the Paraíba capital.

Details of initial care

The patient arrived at the health unit in Belém with complaints of severe abdominal pain and rectal bleeding. Healthcare professionals identified the presence of a foreign object, described as a coconut, which caused significant trauma to the area. The local medical team performed stabilization procedures, including administering pain relief medications and measures to control the hemorrhage. Due to the complexity of the case, transfer to the Trauma Hospital in João Pessoa was deemed necessary.

The transport was coordinated by SAMU, ensuring the patient’s arrival at the specialized center. The speed of initial care was crucial to prevent further complications, such as infections or permanent damage.

Case complexity

Inserting objects into the anus is an uncommon practice that can lead to severe injuries, such as perforations in the rectum or colon. In the case of the Belém patient, the coconut caused internal trauma resulting in significant bleeding. The medical team at the Trauma Hospital evaluated whether removing the object would require surgery or less invasive procedures.

Associated risks include:

• Intestinal perforation, which can lead to severe infections like peritonitis.
• Internal hemorrhage, compromising patient stability.
• Damage to nearby tissues and organs, requiring complex surgical repairs.
• Potential long-term complications, such as incontinence or fistulas.

The lack of information about the patient’s current condition makes it difficult to assess the case’s outcome, but the transfer to a trauma center suggests the need for intensive care.

Trauma hospital structure

The Senator Humberto Lucena State Emergency and Trauma Hospital is a reference for severe cases in Paraíba. Equipped with advanced technology and multidisciplinary teams, the center is prepared to handle complex situations, such as abdominal trauma and internal injuries. The facility includes:

• Operating rooms equipped for high-complexity procedures.
• Teams of specialists in general surgery, coloproctology, and traumatology.
• Intensive care unit for postoperative monitoring.
• Imaging services, such as tomography, for accurate diagnosis.

The choice of this hospital for the case reflects the need for robust infrastructure capable of addressing a delicate clinical condition.

Risks of unsafe practices

Cases like the one reported in João Pessoa underscore the importance of warnings about practices that can jeopardize health. Inserting objects into the body, especially without medical guidance, is a high-risk activity. Healthcare professionals often emphasize that objects not designed for medical use can cause unpredictable injuries.

Factors increasing the danger include:

• Non-sterilized materials, raising the risk of infection.
• Irregular shapes, like the coconut, which can cause extensive trauma.
• Difficulty in removal, requiring invasive interventions.

SAMU’s role in transport

The Mobile Emergency Care Service played a vital role in transferring the patient. The team was activated after the Belém hospital identified the severity of the condition. The swift and safe transport ensured the man reached the trauma center in a condition to receive specialized care.

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SAMU in Paraíba is structured to handle emergencies statewide, with units equipped for patient stabilization during transport. The operation involved:

• Continuous monitoring of vital signs.
• Administration of medications for pain and hemorrhage control.
• Communication with the destination hospital to prepare the receiving team.

Profile of similar cases

Cases involving the insertion of foreign objects into the anus are rare but not unique. Medical reports indicate that various objects, such as toys, vegetables, or utensils, have been recorded in hospital emergencies. These incidents often stem from recreational or experimental practices but can have serious consequences.

In Brazil, trauma hospitals in major cities like São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Recife also handle similar cases. Medical studies show that:

• Most patients are male, aged between 20 and 50 years.
• About 60% of cases require surgical intervention.
• Complications like infections occur in roughly 30% of patients.

Challenges in medical care

Managing cases like the one from Belém requires coordination among various medical specialties. Surgeons, coloproctologists, and anesthesiologists work together to ensure patient safety. The decision on the approach—surgical or otherwise—depends on factors like the object’s location, the extent of injury, and the patient’s overall condition.

The lack of detailed information about the case prevents confirmation of procedures performed, but the transfer to a trauma center suggests the possibility of emergency surgery.

Importance of awareness

Health authorities frequently warn about the dangers of practices involving the insertion of objects into the body. Educational campaigns aim to inform the public about the risks of serious injuries and the importance of seeking medical help in emergencies. Hospitals also invest in training for emergency teams, ensuring preparedness for atypical situations.

Preventive measures include:

• Raising awareness about the risks of unsafe practices.
• Access to reliable information on sexual and physical health.
• Availability of emergency services across all regions.

Hospital transfer logistics

Transferring the patient from Belém to João Pessoa involved a complex logistical operation. The distance between the cities, over 1,600 km, required planning to ensure the patient’s stability during the journey. SAMU coordinated the transport, which may have involved ground ambulances or air transport, depending on the patient’s condition.

Communication between hospitals was essential to prepare the trauma center in João Pessoa. The receiving team was already aware of the clinical condition, enabling a prompt response upon the patient’s arrival.

Additional data

Reports of similar cases in other countries show that foreign object insertion is a global challenge for healthcare systems. In the United States, about 1,500 cases are recorded annually in emergency rooms. In Brazil, the lack of national statistics makes estimation difficult, but reference hospitals report an increase in case incidence in recent years.

The complexity of these incidents highlights the need for well-equipped trauma centers and teams prepared to handle unexpected emergencies.