Rare vesicourethral foreign body caused by sexual eccentricity - case report

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Medical Device Innovation

Background:

• Foreign bodies in the bladder and urethra are often self-inserted, linked to masturbation, curiosity, or mental health conditions.
• Sexual fetishes can lead to the insertion of foreign objects into the urinary tract.
• This article focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of foreign bodies in the bladder and urethra, particularly those related to sexual practices.

Observation:

• A rare case involved a 54-year-old male who inserted a thermometer into his urethra during masturbation.
• The thermometer became lodged in the bladder and urethra, resisting removal by standard foreign body forceps due to its angle and smooth tip.
• A homemade negative pressure aspirator, constructed from an infusion tube and syringe, was ultimately used for successful removal.

Findings:

• The homemade negative pressure device effectively removed the thermometer without complications like mercury leakage or perforation.
• The patient experienced no adverse effects and reported smooth urination with no discomfort at a 4-month follow-up.
• Standard endoscopic, laparoscopic, or open surgical methods can be employed for foreign body removal based on object characteristics.

Implications:

• Innovative, low-cost devices can be developed for challenging foreign body retrieval.
• Effective sex education is crucial for preventing foreign body insertion into the bladder and urethra.
• This case underscores the importance of considering unusual causes and tailored solutions for urological foreign bodies.