Saudi Journal of Medicine (SJM)
Volume-4 | Issue-08 | 619-625
Original Research Article
Intra-Vesical Foreign Bodies; Experience with Management in North Central Nigeria
Terkaa Atim, Amina Buba
Published : Aug. 30, 2019
Abstract
Background: Foreign bodies within the bladder pose a challenging urologic problem as a result of their diversity, varied presentation and tailored management. Examples of foreign bodies that have been removed from the urinary bladder include electric wires, glass ampoules, sticks, ball point pens, pencils, safety-pins, hairclips, magnetic balls, intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUCD), gauze pieces, pelvic drains and batteries. Methods: We carried out a retrospective review of patients who were found to have intravesical foreign bodies intraoperatively between January 2017 and December 2018 in Abuja, Nigeria. Results: Five patients were found to have intravesical foreign bodies. There were 4 female and a male patient. The mean age at the time of presentation was 51 years. The aetiology was iatrogenic in all but one patient. There was varied mode of presentation. Plain radiographs and abdominopelvic ultrasonography were useful in diagnosis. Endoscopic removal of the foreign body was successful in 3 patients whilst one patient had a suprapubic cystostomy and another suprapubic cystolithotomy. Conclusion: Our review highlights the importance of educating health care workers on the need to ensure catheters, stents, abdominal drains are removed following their stipulated time of use. Awareness of this rare entity as an important possible differential diagnosis in patient presenting with urologic symptoms is also important.