Young Man Hospitalized After WWII Shell Becomes Lodge in His Body

Medical staff in southern France faced an unusual crisis when a young man came to the hospital with a World War I explosive embedded in his body.

The 24-year-old arrived at a Toulouse hospital complaining of discomfort, yet he initially refrained from explaining the situation. However, during surgery, doctors uncovered a historic artillery shell, measuring approximately 16 by 4 centimeters and dated back to 1918, which had been inserted into his rectum.

Hospital personnel quickly notified local authorities, leading to the evacuation of sections of the hospital as bomb disposal specialists, law enforcement, and firefighters were dispatched. Fire officials later reassured Le Parisien that the shell was safely deactivated and posed no further threat.

Following the surgery, the man continues to recuperate but may be subject to legal repercussions for violating France's stringent weapon regulations.

Doctors indicated that this incident is not unique, citing additional cases of individuals endangering themselves by inserting hazardous items. In one instance, a 45-year-old man reportedly endured ten days with a metal cup lodged in his rectum before seeking medical assistance. This object was claimed to have been inserted by friends during a drunken prank at a party in Surat, India, and became further lodged when he attempted to remove it on his own.

In another recent case, a Texas man was discovered placing antique items, such as a makeup brush and a bottle opener, inside his anus while in a store, later returning them to the shelves.

Healthcare professionals continue to highlight the severe health risks and potential legal implications associated with such behaviors.