Penile strangulation, a study of two cases

INTRODUCTION: Penile strangulation is one of the rarest clinical findings. So, we aimed to present the clinical case of two cases that we encountered at our institute. PRESENTATION OF CASES: Case 1. A 26-year-male with bipolar disorder presented to emergency room with complaints of metallic ring entrapment in the penis for 4 days. A gold-plated metallic ring measuring 1 × 0.25 cm was found encircling the coronal sulcus along with foul-smelling pus and slough underneath as a result of necrosis of the skin. Jumbo cutter was used to cut the ring. Loose sutures were applied to the injured part with debridement. Case 2. A 66-year-old man presented to emergency with complaints of penile swelling and poor urinary stream for the last 2 days. Local examination showed a plastic ring of water bottle seen stuck at the root of penis. Distal penis was edematous with multiple areas of skin discoloration and petechia. The ring was cut with simple surgical scissor. DISCUSSION: This clinically emergency condition may lead to wide range of vascular and mechanical injuries if the treatment is delayed. Plastic rings can be easily cut out whilst metallic objects which are thick and hard are difficult to remove. Pliers' application or use of jumbo cutter as in one of our cases is beneficial for prompt release of edematous pressure and salvage of the penis. CONCLUSION: Penile strangulation due to foreign body is a rare clinically emergency condition. Urgent intervention is necessary to remove the object causing constriction along the penis.