Hidden for 10 Years: Retained Urethral Foreign Body Leads to Sepsis in Rare Urology Case

A case report highlights a rare but serious medical complication in a man in his 60s who developed sepsis after leaving a retained urethral foreign body inside his urethra for 10 years. The patient initially presented with penile pain, swelling, and difficulty urinating, but gave an unclear medical history. Further investigation revealed that he had inserted a phone charging cable into his urethra a decade earlier and never sought medical help for its removal.

Over time, the retained urethral foreign body became heavily calcified and caused chronic infection and obstruction. Imaging showed a large tube-like structure inside the urethra, and doctors diagnosed a significant foreign body with surrounding stone formation. Because of severe swelling and infection, immediate removal was not possible. The patient was first treated with antibiotics and a suprapubic catheter to divert urine and reduce infection risk.

After inflammation improved, surgeons performed an open procedure and successfully removed a 9 cm urethral stone with the degraded cable inside. Laboratory tests confirmed bacterial infection, including E. coli. The patient recovered well after surgery and reported no long-term urinary problems.

Doctors emphasized that self-inserted urethral objects are not uncommon in medical practice, but most patients seek help quickly due to pain or urinary symptoms. Long delays, often driven by embarrassment, significantly increase risks such as infection, obstruction, and in severe cases, life-threatening sepsis. This case of a retained urethral foreign body highlights the importance of nonjudgmental clinical communication so patients feel safe disclosing sensitive information early, allowing timely and less invasive treatment.

Firth, S. (2026, May 18). He inserted a cable in his penis. 10 years later, he needed surgery. MedPage Today. https://www.medpagetoday.com/urology/urology/121314