Self-Insertion of Foreign Bodies in Urethra and Bladder: Report of Three Pediatric Cases

Abstract

Self-inserted urethrovesical foreign bodies are rare in children.We present three cases and discuss the clinical presentation, diagnosis and management of such patients. In case 1, a 16-year-old boy introduced a wire into the urethra and partially into the bladder three days before. In case 2, a 4-year-old boy introduced a hairpin in the urethra in the same day. In case 3, a 11-year-old boy introduced a sewing needle in the urethra a few hours before. Cystourethroscopy and suprapubic cystotomy were used to remove the foreign bodies. The presentation of urethrovesical foreign bodies can vary widely, as can the type of object inserted. Foreign body retrieval is determined by its morphology and the patient’s conditions with the aim to minimise urothelial trauma and preserve erectile function. Definitive treatment is usually the endoscopic removal, however sometimes surgical intervention may be required. It is advocated follow-up with long duration, which is necessary to diagnose the long-term complications including urethral stricture.