Federal health data has revealed a list of unusual objects removed from patients’ bodies during emergency room visits in 2025, offering a rare look into the types of medical incidents doctors quietly handle every year.
According to VICE, the information comes from the Consumer Product Safety Commission, which tracks injury-related data through its National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS). The database anonymously records why Americans seek emergency medical care, including cases involving foreign objects that require professional removal. While many of these incidents never make headlines, they are routinely documented by medical professionals and researchers.
Each year, physicians also contribute anonymized case reports to peer-reviewed journals to help identify patterns, risks, and prevention strategies in emergency medicine.
Study Finds Tens of Thousands of ER Visits Linked to Foreign Objects
A study published in the American Journal of Emergency Medicine found that approximately 39,000 hospital visits are linked to foreign objects requiring removal, with the majority of cases involving middle-aged men.
Medical professionals note that although these cases are not common, they are far from rare in emergency medicine. Doctors also report that many patients attempt to resolve the situation themselves before seeking medical help. These attempts often involve household tools, which can increase the risk of injury.
Some of the Most Unusual Items Doctors Encountered in 2025
According to reports compiled from federal data and medical journals, some of the most unexpected items removed during emergency visits in 2025 included:
- A shampoo bottle
- A turkey baster
- A wine stopper
- Eyeglasses
- A rock
- Two pencils
- A flashlight
- A vape pen
- An egg
- Beard clippers
Doctors emphasize that while these cases may sound shocking, they are handled professionally and confidentially. Medical journals document these incidents to improve emergency response techniques and patient outcomes — not to shame individuals.