A World War I Relic in the Emergency Room: French Hospital Treats Shocking Medical Case

In an incident that stunned medical professionals and captured global media attention, a 24-year-old Frenchman recently arrived at a hospital emergency department with a World War I-era artillery shell lodged in his rectum. The unusual and alarming case quickly became a reminder of both the dangers of unexploded military relics and the importance of responsible personal behavior.

The young man presented himself at a hospital in eastern France complaining of severe abdominal pain. At first, doctors assumed it might be a routine gastrointestinal emergency. However, scans soon revealed an unexpected and potentially deadly object inside his body: a military shell believed to date back to World War I, a conflict that ended more than a century ago.

A Startling Discovery

After conducting an X-ray and CT scan, hospital staff confirmed that the object was approximately 20 centimeters long and appeared to be an old artillery shell. Given the region’s history as a major battleground during World War I, unexploded ordnance is still occasionally discovered in fields and construction sites.

However, finding such an item inside a human body was unprecedented for most of the medical team.

“We deal with foreign objects in emergency rooms quite often,” a hospital spokesperson explained, “but this case was highly unusual due to the nature of the object and the potential risk it carried.”

The presence of a military shell immediately raised concerns about safety—not only for the patient but also for hospital staff and other patients.

Immediate Security Measures

Once doctors realized the object might still be dangerous, hospital authorities contacted local bomb disposal experts. The emergency ward was partially evacuated as a precaution, and strict safety protocols were put in place.

Specialists determined that the shell was likely inactive and posed minimal risk of explosion. Still, given its origin and age, they handled the situation with extreme caution.

Medical and security teams worked closely to ensure that the removal procedure could be carried out safely.

“This was not just a medical emergency,” one official noted. “It was also a public safety issue.”

A Delicate Medical Operation

Removing the shell required careful planning. Surgeons faced the challenge of extracting the object without causing internal damage or triggering any unexpected reaction.

Fortunately, after thorough assessment, doctors were able to perform the procedure without surgery. Using specialized medical tools and techniques, they successfully removed the shell.

The patient was placed under observation following the procedure and was reported to be in stable condition. No life-threatening injuries were found, and he was expected to make a full recovery.

Hospital officials praised the teamwork and professionalism of the staff involved in handling such a rare case.

How Did It Happen?

While authorities did not release full details about how the shell ended up inside the man’s body, reports suggest that the patient admitted to inserting it himself, possibly out of curiosity or for personal experimentation.

Medical professionals regularly warn against inserting foreign objects into the body, especially those not designed for medical or personal use. Such actions can lead to severe injuries, infections, internal bleeding, and even death.

In this case, the risks were multiplied by the object’s military background.

“Unexploded ordnance is never safe,” experts emphasize. “Even if it appears harmless, it can still contain dangerous materials.”

A Reminder of Hidden War Legacies

World War I left behind millions of unexploded bombs, shells, and grenades across Europe. In countries like France and Belgium, farmers and construction workers still encounter these deadly remnants, a phenomenon known as the “Iron Harvest.”

Every year, specialized teams collect and dispose of hundreds of tons of old ammunition. Despite their age, many of these devices remain potentially hazardous.

This incident highlights how war continues to impact modern society in unexpected ways.

“What happened here shows that history is not always buried,” a historian commented. “Sometimes, it resurfaces in the most surprising places.”

Public Reaction and Media Attention

News of the incident spread quickly on social media and international news outlets. Many reacted with disbelief, humor, and concern.

While some online users treated the story as a joke, medical professionals stressed that it should be taken seriously.

“This is not entertainment,” a senior doctor said. “It’s a warning about dangerous behavior and the importance of common sense.”

The hospital also urged people not to attempt risky acts for attention or curiosity.

Lessons for Public Safety

Experts believe this case offers important lessons for the public:

Never handle or collect unexploded military objects.

Report any suspicious items to authorities.

Avoid inserting foreign objects into the body.

Seek medical help immediately in emergencies.

Health professionals also emphasized the importance