Retained Bullet in the Prostate Causing Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms.

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Trauma Surgery
• Radiology

Background:

• A 41-year-old male experienced persistent urinary urgency and frequency for 5 months.
• The patient had a history of a gunshot wound to the lower abdomen 15 months prior.

Observation:

• Digital rectal examination revealed a palpable metallic foreign body in the right prostate lobe.
• Cystourethroscopy confirmed a bullet fragment lodged in the prostatic urethra.
• Pelvic X-ray showed two radiopaque foreign bodies near the pubis.

Findings:

• The findings suggest a retained bullet fragment as the cause of the patient's lower urinary tract symptoms.
• The foreign body was located within the prostate and prostatic urethra.

Implications:

• This case highlights a rare cause of lower urinary tract symptoms secondary to penetrating trauma.
• Management options included surgical retrieval or conservative pharmacological treatment with anticholinergic medication.
• Delayed presentation of foreign bodies requires careful diagnostic evaluation and tailored treatment plans.