Multiple retained needles: an unusual complication of intracavernous self-injection

Intracavernous self-injection of pharmacologic agents is an effective method of treatment of erectile dysfunction. Intracorporeal needle breakage is a rare complication of intracavernosal self-injection. We report an unusual case of multiple retained needles in a 44-year-old man who presented with penile edema after intracavernous self-injection complicated by needle breakage. The patient was treated with nonoperative therapy and observed on a course of antibiotics to which he responded favorably. He continued to have good erectile function. We also present a review of the reported data and recommend a treatment strategy for the management of retained intracorporeal needles.