Two cases of penile strangulation: varied presentations and vastly different outcomes

Abstract

BackgroundPenile strangulation by various metallic and non-metallic objects is a true urological emergency that requires prompt emergency management. The cases in this report will help in highlighting the varied presentations one can face in the emergency department. Management of such cases at times needs out-of-the-box thinking and improvised skills as resources to remove the foreign body are often scarce within the hospital.Case presentationWe present two such cases of penile strangulation in adult patients. Both patients presented to us in the emergency department, one with a large metallic cone and another with a rubber band constricting their penises. Both the patients had hugely different grades of injuries and were managed accordingly. Both the patients required different methods to remove the constriction objects as per the need of the situation. One of the patients required total penectomy with permanent perineal urethrostomy; however, in the other case, we were able to save the penis.ConclusionPenile strangulation needs urgent medical attention and timely removal of the offending object. Grade of injuries and complications are directly proportional to the type of object and the duration of the strangulation. The non-metallic objects are easy to cut and remove. However, one should be aware of the challenges and the complications in managing metallic foreign bodies which at times may need out-of-the-box thinking, like use of motorized cutting tools.