Clinical Features and Management of Urethral Foreign Bodies in Children: A 10-Year Retrospective Study.

(1)

Background

Urethral foreign bodies (UFBs) are very rare in children, and their treatment remains challenging. (2)

Methods

A retrospective analysis was performed on 40 patients who were admitted to our hospital due to UFBs from June 2011 to June 2021. The clinical features and treatment experiences of these children are summarized. (3)

Results

A total of 40 children were enrolled in the study, 17 boys and 23 girls. A majority of the boys (median age: 11.8 years) were of puberal age, and the main cause of the UFBs was sexual gratification (94.1%). Girls were almost always in early childhood (median age: 1.8 years), and most of the UFBs were related to specific clothing in specific regions and seasons. Ultrasound had a high accuracy in the diagnosis of female UFBs; the sensitivity and specificity were 88.9% and 85.7%, respectively. Most UFBs could be removed using a cystoscope (82.4% in boys, 100% in girls). All the children had a good prognosis and no complications occurred during follow-up. (4)

Conclusions

Ultrasound is a reliable and sensitive method for the diagnosis of UFBs in girls. Cystoscopy is a reliable surgical method for UFBs.