Self-insertion of an odd urethral foreign body that led to fournier's gangrene

Abstract

Self-inserted urethral foreign bodies (FBs) are rare. Neither reported case was the self-inflicted FB due to a lack of financial resources nor was either case complicated by Fournier's gangrene. We present a 54-year-old male who inserted a household pipe to relieve his urine retention. Unfortunately, the FB became stuck inside, perforated the urethra, and required perineal exploration. After it was removed, the urethra was closed over a 16F urethral catheter. The wound was complicated by severe infection and resulting Fournier's gangrene. This required an additional surgery for debridement and urine diversion. Retrospectively, it would have been better if the urethra had been left open with SP tube only. We are sharing a clinical lesson learned by the practicing urologist and surgeons. Conclusively, self-inserted FBs in the urethra may lead to a series of complications. Patients with limited financial resources need more attention and care because they may hurt themselves unintentionally.