Skip to main content

Table 1 Summary of urethral foreign bodies cases according to the available literature (items used, reasons for insertion, presenting symptoms, removal techniques and post-removal complications)

From: PENs in the PENis: a case report and brief review of the literature

Items used

Reasons for insertion

Presenting symptoms

Removal techniques

Post-removal complications

Forks [1, 4, 5]

Self-stimulation [1, 4, 5]

Dysuria [1, 4, 5]

Manual extraction with extrinsic pressure [1, 4, 5]

Urinary tract infection sepsis [1, 4, 5]

Spoons [1, 4, 5]

Erectile enhancement [1, 4, 5]

Gross haematuria [1, 4, 5]

Endoscopic retrieval [1, 4, 5]

Urethral false passage [1, 4, 5]

Metal screws [1, 4, 5]

Attention seeking [1, 4, 5]

Urinary retention

Meatotomy [1, 4, 5]

Lacerations [1, 4, 5]

Pieces of cardboard [1, 4, 5]

Result of erotic impulses [1, 4, 5]

Urinary tract infections [1, 4, 5]

Urethrotomy [1, 4, 5]

Stricture formation [1, 4, 5]

Staples [1, 4, 5]

Psychometric problems [1, 4, 5]

Penile discharge [1, 4, 5]

Cystotomy [1, 4, 5]

Urethral Defect [2]

Writing utensils such as pens and pencils [1, 4, 5]

Sexual curiosity, or sexual practice while intoxicated [1, 4, 5]

Frequent urination

Voiding to expel the foreign body [1, 4, 5]

Fournier's gangrene

Coaxial cable [1, 4, 5]

Relieving urinary symptoms (LUTS/retention)

Decreased urine volume

 

Bladder perforation

Spray foam sealant [1, 4, 5]

Senility, intoxication

Painful erection

 

Urethral fistulas [4]

Medical needles

act of physical abuse

   

Household pipes

    

Sewing needles

    

Nail Scissors

    

Knotted electric wires

    

Pocket batteries

    

Little fish

    

Pen tips

    

Small magnetic balls

    

Olive seeds

    

‘Corn-on-the-cob’ skewers

    

Bullets

    

Safety pins

    

Rubber tube

    

Glass ampoules

    

Metallic screws

    

Brachytherapy seeds

    

Cut end of Foley catheters

    

Sexual vibrators

    

Hem-o-lock clips

    

Superglue

    

Tongue cleaners

    

Transistor radio antennas