Retained Bullet in the Prostate Causing Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 23, 2025

Photoselective Vaporesection of the Prostate via an End-firing Lithium Triborate Crystal Laser
Published on: May 9, 2018
Kian Asanad1, Jamal Nabhani1, Nima Nassiri1
1University of Southern California, Institute of Urology, Los Angeles, CA; LAC+USC Medical Center, Department of Urology, Los Angeles, CA.
Abstract:
A 41-year-old man presented with a 5-month history of bothersome urinary urgency and frequency. He sustained a gunshot wound to the lower abdomen 15 months prior to presentation. Digital rectal examination revealed a metallic foreign body palpable within the right lobe of the prostate, which was suggestive of a retained bullet fragment within the prostate gland. Cystourethroscopy confirmed a bullet fragment lodged within the right lateral aspect of the prostatic urethra. X-ray of the pelvis illustrated 2 radiopaque foreign bodies projecting at the level of the pubis. The patient deferred surgical retrieval and opted for pharmacological management with anti-cholinergic medication.
Related Concept Videos
Disorders of the Male Reproductive System
Prostate disorders are another major concern. These conditions can impair urinary flow due to the prostate's location around the urethra....
Urinary Tract Calculi II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations
Nursing Assessment of the Genitourinary System I: Health History
Anatomy of the Genitourinary System II: Bladder and Urethra
Urinary Tract Infection III: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care
Nursing Assessment of the Genitourinary System II: Inspection and Palpation

