An Unusual Case of a Metallic Foreign Body per Urethra

BACKGROUND: Foreign body in the lower urinary tract has a low incidence. Here we discuss a case of a safety pin within the bulbar urethra inserted by a young boy for sexual gratification, which was successfully removed under cysto-urethroscopic guidance. CASE REPORT: Herein we present a case of a 14-year-old boy who presented with complaints of perineal pain and dysuria. On evaluation in detail and from clinical history, we came to know that he had inserted a safety pin within the urethra. Urine analysis revealed microscopic haematuria and few pus cells. X-ray of the pelvis and computerised tomography helped in confirming the presence of the safety pin within the urethra. CONCLUSIONS: The method of extraction of a foreign body per urethra depends on the size and shape of the foreign body. Cysto-urethroscopic removal is successful depending on the physical characteristics of the foreign body. It has the advantage of minimising urothelial trauma and also helps in assessing any previous mucosal injury or thickening. Psychological evaluation and counselling may help to prevent further such episodes.