title: Successful removal of a 3.6-cm long metal band used as a penile constriction ring.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Penile constriction rings are either used for autoerotic stimulus or to increase sexual performance. Potentially, they can become irremovable and cause urologic emergencies.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  We describe the successful removal of a 3.6-cm long piece of heavy metal tubing used as a penile constriction ring.
  
  
  METHODS
  An angel grinder was used to open the metal tubing on both lateral sides. During the cutting procedure, the soft tissue parts were protected by two metal spatulas. Wet towels and cool running water prevented thermal injury.
  
  
  RESULTS
  After removal of the band, no iatrogenic injury was visible and the further recovery of the patient remained uneventful. Postoperatively, one of the surgeons suffered from conjunctivitis of the left eye possibly due to metal sparks.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Depending on the constricting object, heavy-duty technical equipment might become necessary for their removal. In such cases, special care should be taken to avoid injury to the patient and the medical crew.
authors.affiliation: Department of Urology, Kantonsspital Winterthur, Winterthur, Switzerland. marcushorstmann@gmx.ch
authors.forename: Marcus
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Horstmann
authors.forename: Björn
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Mattsson
authors.forename: Christian
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Padevit
authors.forename: Marcel
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Gloyer
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Hotz
authors.forename: Hubert
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: John
mesh_terms: D003251:Constriction, Pathologic / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery; D005547:Foreign Bodies / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010413:Penis / Q000293:injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D012725:Sexual Behavior