Subtotal self-amputation of the penis and bilateral self-orchiectomy followed by suicide by hanging: Case report

Abstract

We presented a case that had self-amputated his penis partly, performed bilateral selforchiectomy and then committed suicide. The case was a-80-year-old male with a urinary catheter for the last year for an urologic problem, who was using alprazolam for a psychiatric disorder. He had history of attempted suicide, one year ago. The victim was found by his wife hanged to the balcony railing. Distal 1/2 part of his penis was amputated and the penis amputate was found beside the body, as well as both of his testicles. In the autopsy examination, macroscopic examination of the amputated items revealed penile ecchymosis around the cut side of the skin and benign prostate hypertrophy and chronic prostatitis was diagnosed with microscopic examination of the prostate gland. The paper discussed the characteristics of the victim and the manner of the presented case; a genital self-amputation case followed by suicide or a failed suicide case completed by hanging method (a complex suicide case). © 2012 by Türkiye Klinikleri.