Electric wire as a urethral foreign body: A case report

Medicine (Baltimore). 2021 Dec 3;100(48):e28103. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000028103.

Abstract

Rationale: Most self-insertion of urethral foreign bodies is the result of exotic impulses, psychometric problems, sexual curiosity, or sexual practice while intoxicated. Ultrasound has been proven to be an effective tool for determining the presence, location, and characteristics of the urethral foreign body.

Patient concerns: A 48-year-old man presented with a mass in the urethra for 2 years. Physical examination suggested swelling and ulcer in the scrotum. The white blood cell count was elevated (12.60 × 109/L). Urinalysis showed an increased white cell count (484.60/μL) and urine occult blood (±).

Diagnosis: Ultrasound examination of the genitourinary system identified an 8.3 cm linear hyperechoic object and hyperechoic spots in the urethra. Computed tomography revealed an extremely hyperdense lesion in the penis. Intraoperative findings showed electric wire bending and winding surrounded by fibrous tissues with urethral rupture.

Interventions: The patient was treated with urethrotomy as the endoscopic treatment failed. and the electric wire was removed successfully.

Outcomes: The patient was followed up for 45 days without discomfort. Ultrasound examination of the genitourinary system suggested that the wound was almost healed, but with a small urethral effusion, with a maximum depth of approximately 1.9 mm.

Lessons: A foreign body was inserted into the patient's urethra for 2 years without any medical treatment. Urethral perforation was found during surgery. In such cases, ultrasound examination can determine the location, shape, and size of the urethral foreign body and play an important role in the diagnosis of foreign bodies.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Endoscopy
  • Foreign Bodies / diagnostic imaging
  • Foreign Bodies / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Penis / diagnostic imaging*
  • Ultrasonography / methods*
  • Urethra / diagnostic imaging*
  • Urethra / surgery