Work

Retained Intracavernosal Needle Fragment Following Self-Administered Alprostadil Injection in a Post-Prostatectomy Patient

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: We report a 69-year-old post-prostatectomy patient who fractured a 30-gauge needle during an intracavernosal injection (ICI) after attempting to straighten it.Migration followed self-extraction attempts.Localized via radiography and ultrasound, the fragment was retrieved through targeted corporotomy under penile block.A literature review of 17 cases identified needle deformation and reuse as primary risk factors.These rare complications are preventable through patient education emphasizing the immediate disposal of compromised needles.Early urological intervention and imaging-guided retrieval ensure successful outcomes, allowing safe resumption of therapy.

Source: Cureus

DOI: 10.7759/cureus.119213

Authors: Gausal Manoharan, O Ermis, F Castiglione, Omer Onur Cakir

Institution: King's College Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Sexual function and dysfunction studies

Subfield: Psychiatry and Mental health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W7225402722