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Foreign Bodies in the Bladder or Urethra: Diagnosis and Treatment

Autoerotic actions or mental confusion may lead to the introduction of foreign bodies (Latin: corpus alienum) into the urethra, which are left there or slipped away. The foreign body can migrate into the urinary bladder. Not every patient gives indications of the manipulation but reports urination problems, hematuria, or pain. If in doubt, cystoscopy or imaging (sonography, abdominal X-ray) should be performed [fig. light bulb in the bladder.

Foreign body (light bulb) in the urinary bladder. With kind permission, Dr. R. Gumpinger, Kempten.

Removal of Foreign Bodies from Bladder or Urethra

Depending on its size and stability, the foreign body is removed endoscopically or via open surgery (sectio alta) [fig. endoscopic removal of a candle fragment and removal of a cable from the bladder].

Left: cystoscopy reveals a candle fragment in the bladder.
Right: removal with a Dormia basket.

References

C. J. Palmer, M. Houlihan, S. P. Psutka, K. A. Ellis, P. Vidal, and C. M. P. Hollowell, “Urethral Foreign Bodies: Clinical Presentation and Management.,” Urology, vol. 97, pp. 257–260, 2016.

  Deutsche Version: Fremdkörper in der Harnblase