Journal of Clinical Case Reports

Penile Gangrene by Non Metallic Objects: A Rare Aetiology in Adults

Abstract

Ravimohan

Penile strangulation from metallic and non-metallic objects has been reported since 1755. The largest series of such cases was reported by Dakin in 1948, with the presenting age between 15 to 56 years. Penile strangulating objects are usually rings, nuts, bottles, bushes, wedding rings etc. in an adult, while in children they tend to be rubber bands threads or hair coils. In adults these constricting penile bands, whether expandable or non-expandable, are placed deliberately by the person himself for masturbation or by the female counterpart to prolong erection. Although condom catheters are more comfortable and less painful than indwelling catheters, they are not completely without risk. Various complications have been described in the literature, including skin irritation, maceration, ulceration, allergic reactions, urinary tract infections, fistula formation, penile edema, localized ischemia, and gangrene. We describe two cases of penile glans strangulation leading to auto amputation caused by a rubber band and another case of distal penile gangrene due to strangulation by tight condom catheter.