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Foreign bodies in children's lower urinary tract: A case series and literature review
Tongshuai Kuang1, Wei Cai1, Weite Qian1
1Department of Pediatric Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.
Insights
Foreign bodies (FBs) in the lower urinary tract are rare in children. Early diagnosis and surgical removal are safe and effective, leading to good outcomes and reduced complications.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Urology
- Medical Devices
- Surgical Innovation
Background:
- Foreign bodies (FBs) in the lower urinary tract of children are uncommon and pose management challenges.
- Previous reports on pediatric lower urinary tract FBs are scarce, highlighting a need for more data.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the demographics, presentation, and treatment outcomes of children with lower urinary tract FBs.
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of different management strategies for pediatric lower urinary tract FBs.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of clinical data from August 2017 to August 2022.
- Inclusion of four male patients aged 9-13 years with lower urinary tract FBs.
- Review of imaging, location, symptoms, and treatment modalities including cystoscopy and cystotomy.
Main Results:
- Four male patients (ages 9-13) presented with FBs including a skipping rope, hairpin, magnetic bead, and acne needle.
- FBs were located in the bladder (2) and urethra (2).
- Endoscopic removal was successful in one case; two required cystotomy after failed transurethral cystoscopy. Postoperative recovery was uneventful.
Conclusions:
- Lower urinary tract foreign bodies in children are rare but require prompt diagnosis and management.
- Surgical removal, including minimally invasive techniques and cystotomy when necessary, is safe and effective.
- Appropriate management can significantly reduce complications and achieve favorable outcomes.
Background:
Children with foreign bodies (FBs) in the lower urinary tract have rarely been reported, and their management remains challenging. This study aimed to describe the characteristics and treatment of FBs in children's lower urinary tract.
Methods:
We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data on lower urinary tract FBs that were removed in our hospital from August 2017 to August 2022, including demographics, location, symptoms, imaging examinations, and treatment.
Results:
Four male patients were enrolled, whose ages ranged from 9 to 13 years, with a mean age of 11 years. The course of the disease ranged from 3 h to 2 weeks. Their imaging characteristics were reviewed and analyzed, and two FBs were located in the bladder and two in the urethra. Mosquito forceps were used to remove an acne needle through the urethra in one case. Cystoscopy was first attempted in three cases, in only one of which was the FB removed successfully under endoscopic minimally invasive surgery. In the remaining two cases, removal via transurethral cystoscopy failed, whereby leading to cystotomy being performed. The FBs comprise a skipping rope, hairpin, magnetic bead, and acne needle. The postoperative recovery was uneventful, and no complications occurred during the follow-up period of 3 to 6 months.
Conclusion:
It is rare for children to have FBs in the lower urinary tract. An early diagnosis, as well as appropriate management of lower urinary tract FBs, can significantly reduce complications. Surgical removal of lower urinary tract FBs can be safe and effective, and relatively better outcomes can be achieved.
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