Open removal as a first-line treatment of magnetic intravesical foreign bodies

Abstract

Intravesical foreign bodies are an uncommon, but significant, cause of urologic consultation. We present 3 patients who all inserted magnetic beads per urethra into the urinary bladder, which subsequently became retained. Endoscopic attempts were unsuccessfully tried in the first 2 cases, necessitating open cystotomy to remove the beads. The third went straight to open removal. Given the failure of minimally invasive techniques, we believe that open removal should be the first-line treatment for these types of foreign bodies.

Fig. 1a

Patient 1, supine pelvic x-ray.

Fig. 1b

Patient 2, supine pelvic x-ray.

Fig. 1c

Patient 3, supine abdominal x-ray.

Fig. 2a

Clumped magnetic balls post-extraction, with scalpel handle for perspective.

Fig. 2b

Magnetic balls spontaneously arranged in ring post-extraction.