Experience of pediatric urogenital tract inserted objects: 10-year single-center study

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Urology
• Urogenital Tract Foreign Bodies
• Pediatric Surgery

Background:

• Urogenital tract foreign bodies (FBs) are rarely reported in children, presenting unique management challenges.
• A 10-year retrospective review was conducted to analyze the experience with pediatric urogenital tract FBs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review a decade of experience with pediatric urogenital tract foreign bodies at a single institution.
• To analyze demographic characteristics, symptoms, diagnostic methods, and management strategies.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of medical records for children suspected of having urogenital tract FBs.
• Comparison of surgical strategies based on FB location and patient age.
• Analysis of FB location distribution across different age groups.

Main Results:

• 188 cases of urogenital tract FBs confirmed out of 239 suspected cases (150 girls, 38 boys).
• Increasing incidence over 10 years, with seasonal peaks in spring/summer; peak ages at 3-5 and 9-13 years.
• Vaginal FBs often managed with day surgery, while bladder FBs required inpatient care; age and sex influenced FB location.

Conclusions:

• Pediatric urogenital tract FBs present significant challenges, requiring tailored surgical approaches.
• Misdiagnosis can occur due to concealed insertion history or co-existing conditions; ultrasonography aids diagnosis.
• Preventive measures like appropriate toy selection and sex education are important; specialized techniques minimize complications, especially for migrated or magnetic FBs.