Use of Point-of-care Ultrasound for Detection of Urethral Foreign Bodies: A Case Series

TL;DR

This paper presents three cases where ultrasound was used to detect objects stuck in the urethra, showing it can be a helpful tool in emergency departments.

Contribution

The paper introduces the use of point-of-care ultrasound as a practical method for diagnosing urethral foreign bodies in emergency settings.

Findings

Point-of-care ultrasound aided in the diagnosis of urethral foreign bodies in three patient cases.

Ultrasound helped guide management without exposing patients to radiation or contrast.

Urethral foreign bodies can be promptly identified using ultrasound in emergency departments.

Abstract

Urethral foreign bodies are an uncommon presentation in the emergency department (ED) and can be difficult to assess and diagnose. There are examples in the literature of ultrasound detecting urethral foreign bodies. While not standard of practice, point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) may be a useful tool for this unique pathology.

We describe three cases in which POCUS was used in the care of patients presenting with urethral foreign bodies. Ultrasound aided in diagnosis and helped facilitate further management.

While urethral foreign bodies are relatively uncommon, they can lead to significant morbidity, which makes their prompt identification and treatment important. Ultrasound provides a rapid means of evaluation that allows the patient to stay under observation by ED staff while removing exposure to radiation or contrast.

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