1141 - CorTemp Thermometer – Lost in a neurogenic bowel: A case report

Case Diagnosis: A spinal cord injury patient ingested a CorTemp continuous thermometer that remained in his intestines, requiring a colonoscopy for retrieval.


Case Description: A 42-year-old man with T10 AIS B spinal cord injury participated in a research study involving ingestion of a core temperature sensor. His injury occurred in 2021 following a motor vehicle collision. He underwent colostomy placement in early 2022, followed by bowel resection due to necrosis. In November 2022, he ingested HQ Inc’s CorTemp continuous temperature monitoring device as part of the study. Two weeks later, he had not passed the device. He denied abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or bowel changes. An abdominal X-ray showed the device lodged in the right lower quadrant. After days of bowel cleanout without success, gastroenterology was consulted. A colonoscopy was performed, and the device was removed without complication.

Discussions: This case highlights important safety considerations for physiatrists and researchers working with spinal cord injury patients. The CorTemp device has listed contraindications for individuals with gastrointestinal hypomotility or prior GI surgeries—both present in this patient due to neurogenic bowel and bowel resection. Although he remained asymptomatic, retained devices may cause serious complications if left unaddressed. The CorTemp manual states the device should be excreted within 18–30 hours. However, neurogenic bowel significantly delays gut transit, increasing the risk of retention.

Conclusions: Physiatrists should exercise caution when using CorTemp in patients with spinal cord injury, particularly those with neurogenic bowel or surgical GI history. Monitoring for passage is essential, and risks should be weighed carefully before use in this population.