Unusual foreign bodies in the urethra and bladder

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Medical Case Reports

Background:

• Foreign body insertion into the lower urinary tract is uncommon.
• Self-insertion presents unique diagnostic and management challenges.

Observation:

• Eight cases of self-inserted unusual foreign bodies in the lower urinary tract (urethra and bladder) treated between 1976-1990.
• Objects included diverse items like electric cables, tweezers, and paper clips.
• Four cases involved intentional insertion for masturbatory purposes.

Findings:

• Dysuria was the most frequent presenting symptom.
• Five patients had underlying psychological conditions or handicaps.
• Treatment modalities included endoscopy (5 cases) and cystotomy (3 cases).

Implications:

• Highlights the need for considering unusual foreign bodies in differential diagnoses for urinary tract symptoms.
• Underscores the importance of addressing psychological factors in managing self-inflicted foreign body injuries.
• Demonstrates varied endoscopic and surgical approaches for foreign body removal.