Migration of a metal clip into the urinary bladder

Abstract

Migration of metal clips into the urinary tract is rare. We present a case in which migration of a metal clip into the urinary bladder occurred after retropubic radical prostatectomy. A 75-year-old man, who had undergone retropubic radical prostatectomy three years before, presented with painful micturition and gross hematuria. Radiography and cystoscopy showed two vesical stones. As treatment for these stones, transurethral holmium laser lithotripsy was performed. One of the stones had formed around a metal clip that had presumably migrated into the urinary bladder. After removal of both stones, the patient was able to void freely. In conclusion, it is important to remember that metal clips may migrate postoperatively and cause secondary complications. Therefore, metal clips should be applied sparingly at the vesicourethral anastomosis during retropubic radical prostatectomy.