FOREIGN BODIES IN THE URINARY BLADDER – REPORT ON TWO CASES IN KUMASI, GHANA

Abstract

Purpose: Foreign bodies (FBs) in the urinary bladder can pose major diagnostic and treatment challenges. They usually present as persistent or recurrent urinary tract infections which do not respond to antibiotics. FBs in the urinary bladder may be self-inflicted for autoerotic, psychiatric or therapeutic reasons by the patient. It may also be as a result of migration from adjacent organs or from penetrating trauma. The aim is to highlight the need for thorough urological evaluation in patients presenting with persistent or recurrent urinary tract infections post-abdominal or groin surgery.

Results: We present a 28-year-old man with nylon suture in the bladder and a 53-year-old woman with gauze in the bladder who presented at seven months post-hernia repair and one year post-abdominal hysterectomy respectively and were successfully managed at our centre. They had similar clinical presentations of lower urinary tract symptoms, dysuria and recurrent gross haematuria following their respective surgeries.

Conclusion: Foreign body in the urinary bladder should be considered a differential diagnosis in any patient with persistent or recurrent urinary tract infections following any abdominal/groin surgical procedure.