Removal of a Penile Metal Ring Using a Nelaton Catheter

Lee, Yong Kyu; Cho, Taek Woo; Jeong, Hee Seong; Lee, Jin Ha; Hong, Young Kwon

Abstract

Penile incarceration is a serious disease that requires prompt intervention to prevent various complications. A 76-year-old male visited our emergency room complaining of penile swelling. The penile swelling had been caused by a metallic bearing placed at the base of the penis 7 days earlier. The ring had a 4.7cm outside diameter and 2.1cm internal diameter, with a thickness of 1.5cm. Because the swelling of penis distal to the constricting ring was so severe, removal of the ring was difficult. Several methods were attempted to remove the bearing, such as squeezing, aspiration and cutting with a steel saw, all of which were unsuccessful. A string method, with a Nelaton catheter, was then successfully used, which took just 5 minutes to remove the bearing. Mild abrasion of the penile skin was the only complication.