Citation

Blake-James BT, Hussain M, Peters JL. Eur. J. Emerg. Med. 2007; 14(1): 53-55.

Affiliation

Institute of Urology, University College London, London, UK. benblakejames@hotmail.com

Copyright

(Copyright © 2007, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins)

DOI

10.1097/01.mej.0000228448.30350.78

PMID

17198330

Abstract

Genital foreign bodies constitute a diverse but surprisingly common means of presentation to emergency departments. Although the presentation usually means the initial diagnosis is easily made, we present a case here that stresses the importance of attention to history, clinical examination and radiological investigation. A 44-year-old gentleman presented with a history of pain and discharge from a self-inflicted scrotal wound. Further questioning revealed a history of genital foreign bodies, but the full extent of his condition was not apparent until plain pelvic radiographs were obtained. The initial management of genital foreign bodies follows basic surgical principles. Constricting bands must be removed, devitalized tissues debrided and the surgical field extensively irrigated. Underlying psychiatric illness may be present and a high index of suspicion is required in the initial assessment of such patients. A plain pelvic radiograph is recommended to fully identify all foreign bodies present.

Language: en