Foreign body in the bladder typically present with hematuria and recurrent urinary tract infection. Stone formations and obstructive urinary tract symptoms are among the common presentation of foreign body in the urinary bladder. Hematuria was reported as the most common presenting symptoms of foreign body in the bladder symptom [2].
Diagnosis depends on a high index of suspicion from a carefully obtained history. Radiological investigations including bed side ultrasound is diagnostic. Cystoscopy is usually indicated especially in the evaluation of recurrent UTI in a patient with prior history of urinary tract surgery [3].
The retrieval of urinary bladder foreign bodies depends on the size of the foreign body, the type of foreign body and the presence of associated complications such as stone formation or urinary tract fistula. A large number of foreign bodies can be retrieved using minimally invasive endoscopic techniques [1]. The holmium: YAG (Ho:YAG) laser is among the newest wavelength device available for urological applications. The Ho:YAG laser is a solid state, pulsed laser that emits light at 2100 nm. The initial experiences with earlier laser (light amplification by the stimulated emission of radiation) technology created an understanding of the necessary requirement for successful laser apparel, including the ability to deliver energy through optical fibers, need to limit distant thermal effects and production of a shock wave of sufficient force to exceed the tensile strength of a stone [4] and in this particular case the shock wave force generated was enough to break the wood into pieces small enough to be retrieved via an Ellick bladder evacuator. Since the holmium wavelength can be transmitted down optical fibers, it is especially suited for intracorporeal/endoscopic lithotripsy [4]. Its use on other particles or substances has been uncommon.
The Holmium laser has become established in surgery due to its unique combination of mechanical and thermal properties induced by explosive vapor bubbles.
Holmium lasers are used in urological cases primarily for lithotripsy, but they are also used to cut soft tissues or tumors [5]. Ho:YAG was reported to be used in cutting sutures and synthetic mesh in the urinary tract [6]. While the effects of the Ho:YAG on soft tissue in human body was extensively studied, its effects on wooden material in vivo was not reported. Our case demonstrates the usefulness of holmium laser in the management of wooden foreign bodies in the urinary tract.