A Nationwide Study of Differences in Surgical Treatment Rates and Oncological Outcomes for Prostate Cancer according to Economic Status and Region / Journal of the Korean Cancer Association, 대한암학회지

Purpose@#We investigated the effects of economic status (classified based on insurance type and residential area) on oncological outcomes of prostate cancer using a nationwide database. We additionally investigated oncological outcomes based on economic status and residential area in patients who underwent surgical treatment. @*Materials and Methods@#The study included 75,518 men with newly diagnosed prostate cancer between 2009 and 2018 in whom oncological outcomes were investigated based on economic status and residential area. Among the 75,518 men with prostate cancer, the data of 29,973 men who underwent radical prostatectomy were further analyzed. Multivariate analysis was performed to determine the effects of economic status and residential area on postoperative oncological outcomes. @*Results@#Among the 75,518 patients with prostate cancer, 3,254 (4.31%) were medical aid beneficiaries. The 5-year overall survival rates were 81.2% and 64.8% in the health insurance and medical aid groups, respectively. Radical prostatectomy was more common in the health insurance group, and surgical intervention was significantly affected by the residential area. Among patients who underwent surgery, 5-year androgen deprivation therapy–free and overall survival were better in the health insurance group. Multivariate analysis showed that insurance type and residential area were significantly associated with the androgen deprivation therapy–free and overall survival after adjustment for other variables. @*Conclusion@#Economic status and residential area were shown to affect not only treatment patterns but also post-diagnosis and postoperative oncological outcomes. Political support for early diagnosis and appropriate treatment of prostate cancer is warranted for medically vulnerable populations.

Differences in Brain Morphology between Hydrocephalus Ex Vacuo and Idiopathic Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus

Objective@#The distinction between idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) and hydrocephalus ex vacuo caused by encephalic volume loss remains to be established. This study aims to investigate radiological parameters as clinically useful tools to discriminate iNPH from hydrocephalus ex vacuo caused by Alzheimer’s disease (AD). @*Methods@#A total of 54 patients with ventriculomegaly (iNPH, 25; hydrocephalus ex vacuo, 29) were recruited in this study. Consequently, nine radiological parameters were compared between iNPH and hydrocephalus ex vacuo using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). @*Results@#A small callosal angle (CA), the Sylvian fissure dilatation, and absence of narrowing of superior parietal sulci discriminated the iNPH group from the hydrocephalus ex vacuo group (p<0.05). The final binary logistic regression model included narrowing of superior parietal sulci, degrees of the CA, and height of the Sylvian fissure after controlling for age and global Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR). The composite score made from these three indicators (narrowing of superior parietal sulci, degrees of the CA, and height of the Sylvian fissure) was statistically different between iNPH and hydrocephalus ex vacuo. @*Conclusion@#The narrowing of the CA, dilatation of the Sylvain fissure, and narrowing of superior parietal sulci may be used as radiological key indices and noninvasive tools for the differential diagnosis of iNPH from hydrocephalus ex vacuo.

Differences in Brain Morphology between Hydrocephalus Ex Vacuo and Idiopathic Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus

Objective@#The distinction between idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) and hydrocephalus ex vacuo caused by encephalic volume loss remains to be established. This study aims to investigate radiological parameters as clinically useful tools to discriminate iNPH from hydrocephalus ex vacuo caused by Alzheimer’s disease (AD). @*Methods@#A total of 54 patients with ventriculomegaly (iNPH, 25; hydrocephalus ex vacuo, 29) were recruited in this study. Consequently, nine radiological parameters were compared between iNPH and hydrocephalus ex vacuo using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). @*Results@#A small callosal angle (CA), the Sylvian fissure dilatation, and absence of narrowing of superior parietal sulci discriminated the iNPH group from the hydrocephalus ex vacuo group (p<0.05). The final binary logistic regression model included narrowing of superior parietal sulci, degrees of the CA, and height of the Sylvian fissure after controlling for age and global Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR). The composite score made from these three indicators (narrowing of superior parietal sulci, degrees of the CA, and height of the Sylvian fissure) was statistically different between iNPH and hydrocephalus ex vacuo. @*Conclusion@#The narrowing of the CA, dilatation of the Sylvain fissure, and narrowing of superior parietal sulci may be used as radiological key indices and noninvasive tools for the differential diagnosis of iNPH from hydrocephalus ex vacuo.

Current trends in minimally invasive surgery for benign prostatic hyperplasia

The prevalence of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is rising with Korea becoming an aging society. As patients age, their comorbidities and the risks associated with anesthesia increase. Recently, there has been an increasing concern regarding sexual function after surgery. As a result, interest in minimally invasive surgery for BPH that does not require anesthesia or affect sexual function has grown. This review article introduces newly developed minimally invasive surgeries for BPH divided into four categories based on the strategy—mechanical, anatomical, atrophic, and laparoscopic. Here, the mechanisms for each surgical method have been introduced. Furthermore, recent representative studies of these procedures with a focus on randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses have also been reviewed. Side effects related to sexual function have also been mentioned briefly along with the efficacy and indication for robotic BPH surgery, which has recently been attracting attention. However, these newer, minimally invasive procedures require additional comparative randomized controlled trials and long-term results to produce more robust evidence for their use.

Current trends in minimally invasive surgery for benign prostatic hyperplasia

The prevalence of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is rising with Korea becoming an aging society. As patients age, their comorbidities and the risks associated with anesthesia increase. Recently, there has been an increasing concern regarding sexual function after surgery. As a result, interest in minimally invasive surgery for BPH that does not require anesthesia or affect sexual function has grown. This review article introduces newly developed minimally invasive surgeries for BPH divided into four categories based on the strategy—mechanical, anatomical, atrophic, and laparoscopic. Here, the mechanisms for each surgical method have been introduced. Furthermore, recent representative studies of these procedures with a focus on randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses have also been reviewed. Side effects related to sexual function have also been mentioned briefly along with the efficacy and indication for robotic BPH surgery, which has recently been attracting attention. However, these newer, minimally invasive procedures require additional comparative randomized controlled trials and long-term results to produce more robust evidence for their use.

Current trends in minimally invasive surgery for benign prostatic hyperplasia

The prevalence of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is rising with Korea becoming an aging society. As patients age, their comorbidities and the risks associated with anesthesia increase. Recently, there has been an increasing concern regarding sexual function after surgery. As a result, interest in minimally invasive surgery for BPH that does not require anesthesia or affect sexual function has grown. This review article introduces newly developed minimally invasive surgeries for BPH divided into four categories based on the strategy—mechanical, anatomical, atrophic, and laparoscopic. Here, the mechanisms for each surgical method have been introduced. Furthermore, recent representative studies of these procedures with a focus on randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses have also been reviewed. Side effects related to sexual function have also been mentioned briefly along with the efficacy and indication for robotic BPH surgery, which has recently been attracting attention. However, these newer, minimally invasive procedures require additional comparative randomized controlled trials and long-term results to produce more robust evidence for their use.

Changes in the Prevalence and Risk Factors of Erectile Dysfunction during a Decade: The Korean Internet Sexuality Survey (KISS), a 10-Year-Interval Web-Based Survey

PURPOSE: Although the prevalence of erectile dysfunction (ED) can be affected by social changes, this association has not been well evaluated. We aimed to evaluate the prevalence and risk factors of ED through a 10-year-interval web-based survey using the previous database of same group of panels, with same methodology. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We sent e-mails and surveyed the panels registered in the Internet survey agency. RESULTS: In total, 900 participants were recruited in 2016. The age-adjusted overall prevalences of self-reported ED (self-ED) and International Index of Erectile Function-5-assessed ED (IIEF-5-ED; score ≤21) in the 2016 study were 3.2% and 44.8%, respectively, which were lower than the prevalences of 8.1% (p=0.036) and 51.4% (p=0.323), respectively, in the 2006 study. The risk factors of IIEF-5-ED in their 20s and 30s in 2016 were psycho-social factors such as depression, low frequency of conversation about sex with sexual partner. The risk factors of IIEF-5-ED in their 40s to 60s in 2016 were organic factors, such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, smoking, alcohol use, and self-reported premature ejaculation. CONCLUSIONS: Although the age-adjusted overall prevalence of self-ED has decreased during a decade, there was no difference in the age-adjusted overall prevalence of IIEF-5-ED. Psycho-social support may be important for young men with ED and overall healthcare can be helpful for elderly men with ED.

Is It Worth Treating Non-Bothering Nocturia? Results of a Multicenter Prospective Observational Study

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of treatment in patients with non-bothering nocturia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospective multicenter study, patients who visited hospitals for treatment of voiding symptoms were enrolled. Inclusion criteria were: 1) men >45 years, and 2) nocturia ≥2 confirmed by a three-day voiding diary. Subjects were divided into non-bothering and bothering groups based on International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Nocturia (ICIQ-N) question 2b. Changes in voiding symptoms, frequency of nocturia, and bothersomeness were evaluated with international prostate symptom score (IPSS), ICIQ-N, and three-day voiding diary at 4 and 12 weeks after treatment. RESULTS: A total of 48 patients in the non-bothering nocturia group and 50 patients in the bothering nocturia group who completed the 12-week treatment were analyzed. The total IPSS was decreased by 5.8 in the non-bothering group and 5.2 in the bothering group. There was no significant difference in decrease of IPSS between the two groups. Both groups showed significant reduction in discomfort of nocturia. The ICIQ-N 2b score decreased from 3.9 to 2.7 (p=0.01) in the non-bothering group and from 6.9 to 4.6 (p=0.02) in the bothering group. The number of nocturia episodes was significantly decreased in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Regardless of discomfort associated with nocturia, both groups showed significant improvement in nocturia-related discomfort and voiding symptoms. These results suggest that patients with nocturia who were unaware of its discomfort benefited from treatment.

Changes in Erectile Function after Photoselective Vaporization of the Prostate with a 120-W GreenLight High-Performance System Laser: 2-Year Follow-Up

PURPOSE: To evaluate the impact of photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP) with a 120-W GreenLight high-performance system on erectile function in a 2-year follow-up study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred seventy-seven patients who underwent PVP during 2008 to 2012 were analyzed retrospectively. The patients were divided into 5 groups according to their preoperative 5-item International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) scores: Group I (IIEF-5: 5~7, n=28), II (IIEF-5: 8~11, n=47), III (IIEF-5: 12~16, n=43), IV (IIEF-5: 17~21, n=34), and V (IIEF-5: 22~25, n=25). The patients were assessed before surgery and 6, 12, and 24 months after the PVP. Their International Prostate Symptom Score/quality of life, maximum urinary flow rate/post-void residual urine volume, and IIEF-5 scores were measured at each visit. RESULTS: The mean age and presence of hypertension were significantly different among the 5 groups. Perioperative parameters and postoperative complication rates showed no statistical differences. After PVP, voiding parameters were significantly improved in all the groups and sustained during the 2-year follow-up. The postoperative IIEF-5 scores fell slightly overall, while group V showed the largest significant deterioration. In multivariate analysis, body mass index (BMI) was the only independent predictor of decreased erectile function after PVP. CONCLUSIONS: Erectile function declined in all the groups after PVP, with the most extensive deterioration observed in patients with normal erectile function preoperatively. Preoperative BMI was the only independent risk factor for a meaningful decrease in erectile function after PVP.

Current status of minimally invasive surgery for treatment of renal stones and tumors using a flexible ureteroscopy

Retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) has been accepted as the first-line option for surgical treatment of upper urinary tract pathologies including stones and tumors. With the development of surgical instruments with improved deflection mechanisms, visualization, and durability, RIRS has taken on an expanding role in treating urinary calculi located in the upper urinary tract, as it compensates for the shortcomings of shockwave lithotripsy and percutaneous nephrolithotomy. RIRS can also be considered a conservative treatment option for upper urinary tract urothelial cancer or as a means of intensive postoperative surveillance after radical treatment of urinary tract urothelial cancer. RIRS has a steep learning curve and various surgical techniques can be utilized during operations. The use of particular surgical instruments should take into consideration of the gain in surgical efficiency, decrease in complications, and cost-benefit tradeoff.

Experience on Early Urethral Catheter Removal Following Radical Prostatectomy

PURPOSE: To assess outcomes from patients who underwent radical prostatectomy and had their indwelling urinary catheter removed on postoperative day (POD) 4 or 7. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The medical records of 107 consecutive patients receiving radical prostatectomy (RP), were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were categorized into two groups according to length of catheterization. Group 1 (n=40) had the urethral catheter removed on postoperative day (POD) 4, and group 2 (n=67) had the catheter removed on POD7. Group 1 had urethral catheter removal following no leakage on intraoperative leak testing and POD4 cystography, whilst group 2 exhibited leakage at POD4 and instead had routine POD7 urethral catheter removal if there was evidence of no leakage of POD7 cystography. Incontinence was checked according to the use of protective pad. RESULTS: The mean age of the study population was 67.0 years. acute urinary retension (AUR) following catheter removal occurred in 6 of the cohort (5.6%); 3 patients (7.5%) from group 1 and 3 (4.5%) from group 2 (p=0.669). The overall continence rate was 39.3%, 68.2%, 80.4%, and 91.6% at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months respectively. Importantly, the incontinence recovery pace of group 1 was notably higher than that of group 2 (p=0.001). Neither group exhibited bladder neck contracture. Intraoperative factors influencing the decision to remove catheter at POD4 following RP, are bladder neck reconstruction (OR=3.792, p=0.010) and nerve sparing (OR=6.646, p=0.008). CONCLUSIONS: Selective early urethral catheter removal may shorten the length of incontinence recovery, without increasing the risk of AUR and bladder neck contracture.

Prospective Randomized Controlled Study on the Efficacy of Multimedia Informed Consent for Patients Scheduled to Undergo Green-Light High-Performance System Photoselective Vaporization of the Prostate

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a multimedia informed consent (IC) presentation on the understanding and satisfaction of patients who were scheduled to receive 120-W green-light high-performance system photoselective vaporization of the prostate (HPS-PVP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A multimedia IC (M-IC) presentation for HPS-PVP was developed. Forty men with benign prostatic hyperplasia who were scheduled to undergo HPS-PVP were prospectively randomized to a conventional written IC group (W-IC group, n=20) or the M-IC group (n=20). The allocated IC was obtained by one certified urologist, followed by a 15-question test (maximum score, 15) to evaluate objective understanding, and questionnaires on subjective understanding (range, 0~10) and satisfaction (range, 0~10) using a visual analogue scale. RESULTS: Demographic characteristics, including age and the highest level of education, did not significantly differ between the two groups. No significant differences were found in scores reflecting the objective understanding of HPS-PVP (9.9±2.3 vs. 10.6±2.8, p=0.332) or in subjective understanding scores (7.5±2.1 vs. 8.6±1.7, p=0.122); however, the M-IC group showed higher satisfaction scores than the W-IC group (7.4±1.7 vs. 8.4±1.5, p=0.033). After adjusting for age and educational level, the M-IC group still had significantly higher satisfaction scores. CONCLUSIONS: M-IC did not enhance the objective knowledge of patients regarding this surgical procedure. However, it improved the satisfaction of patients with the IC process itself.

Rapid Increase of Health Care Utilization and Cost due to Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia in Korean Men: Retrospective Population-based Analysis Using the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service Data

Using the Korean public health insurance database, we analyzed patients diagnosed as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) from 2004 to 2008. Age and year-specific amount and seasonal variation of hospital visits (HV), duration of treatment (DT), the total and per capita amount of insurance payment (TAIP, PCIP) were evaluated. A total of 12,088,995 HV were studied. Total HV increased 1.7 times and DT almost doubled in 2008 compared to those in 2004. HV, DT, and TAIP showed linearly increasing patterns year by year. In a time series analysis, HV increased in winter and demonstrated seasonality in a 12-month cycle. In a Poisson regression analysis, the annual variations of HV, DT, TAIP, and PCIP were different by age groups. In patients older than 40 yr, HV significantly increased 1.10-1.16 times compared to that of the previous year. DT markedly increased in their 60s and 80s patients. The rate of increase in PCIP was steeper in patients 50 yr and older than in the others.Health care utilization due to BPH was rapidly increasing in Korea and it was remarkable in the elderly population. Seasonal variation of HV demonstrated that health care utilization increased in winter.

Rapid Increase of Health Care Utilization and Cost due to Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia in Korean Men: Retrospective Population-based Analysis Using the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service Data

Using the Korean public health insurance database, we analyzed patients diagnosed as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) from 2004 to 2008. Age and year-specific amount and seasonal variation of hospital visits (HV), duration of treatment (DT), the total and per capita amount of insurance payment (TAIP, PCIP) were evaluated. A total of 12,088,995 HV were studied. Total HV increased 1.7 times and DT almost doubled in 2008 compared to those in 2004. HV, DT, and TAIP showed linearly increasing patterns year by year. In a time series analysis, HV increased in winter and demonstrated seasonality in a 12-month cycle. In a Poisson regression analysis, the annual variations of HV, DT, TAIP, and PCIP were different by age groups. In patients older than 40 yr, HV significantly increased 1.10-1.16 times compared to that of the previous year. DT markedly increased in their 60s and 80s patients. The rate of increase in PCIP was steeper in patients 50 yr and older than in the others.Health care utilization due to BPH was rapidly increasing in Korea and it was remarkable in the elderly population. Seasonal variation of HV demonstrated that health care utilization increased in winter.

Preoperative Urinary Retention Increased the Risk of Urinary Retention after Photoselective Vaporization of the Prostate

PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to evaluate preoperative acute urinary retention (AUR) as a factor affecting the outcomes of patients who underwent photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP), both in terms of overall effectiveness and the postoperative incidence of AUR. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Baseline prostate characteristics were obtained for patients who underwent PVP, including prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, transrectal ultrasound findings, voiding diary parameters, the International Prostate Symptoms Score (IPSS), and uroflowmetry parameters. These parameters were assessed two weeks, one month, three months, six months, and three years postoperatively. Subjects were divided into AUR and non-AUR groups based on the preoperative occurrence of AUR. RESULTS: Of the 476 patients, 91 had at least one episode of preoperative AUR. The AUR group was found to be significantly older and to have significantly higher PSA levels, lower body mass indices, and larger prostates. At one year of follow-up, the total IPSS was 7.6+/-6.8 in the AUR group and 11.4+/-8.2 in the non-AUR group, with the AUR group showing a more significant improvement. In the non-AUR group, 17 of the 385 patients (4.4%) experienced postoperative retention, compared to 16 of the 91 patients (17.6%) patients in the AUR group. CONCLUSIONS: Almost all patients exhibited improvements in subjective and objective voiding parameters following PVP, regardless of the presence of preoperative urinary retention. Patients with a preoperative history of AUR had a higher risk of postoperative retention.

Comparative analysis of benign prostatic hyperplasia management by urologists and nonurologists: A Korean nationwide health insurance database study

PURPOSE: To compare the current management of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) by urologists and nonurologists by use of Korean nationwide health insurance data. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We obtained patient data from the national health insurance system. New patients diagnosed with BPH in 2009 were divided into two groups depending on whether they were diagnosed by a urologist (U group) or by a nonurologist (NU group). RESULTS: A total of 390,767 individuals were newly diagnosed with BPH in 2009. Of these, 240,907 patients (61.7%) were in the U group and 149,860 patients (38.3%) were in the NU group. The rate of all initial evaluation tests, except serum creatinine, was significantly lower in the NU group. The initial prescription rate was higher in the U group, whereas the prescription period was longer in the NU group. Regarding the initial drugs prescribed, the use of alpha-blockers was common in both groups. However, the U group was prescribed combination therapy of an alpha-blocker and 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor as the second choice, whereas the NU group received monotherapy with a 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor. During the 1-year follow-up, the incidence of surgery was significantly different between the U group and the NU group. CONCLUSIONS: There are distinct differences in the diagnosis and treatment of BPH by urologists and nonurologists in Korea. These differences may have adverse consequences for BPH patients. Urological societies should take a leadership role in the management of BPH and play an educational role for nonurologists as well as urologists.

A Prospective Korean Multicenter Study for Infectious Complications in Patients Undergoing Prostate Surgery: Risk Factors and Efficacy of Antibiotic Prophylaxis

This multicenter study was undertaken to determine the efficacy of antibiotic prophylaxis and identify the risk factors for infectious complications after prostate surgery in Korean patients. A total of 424 patients who underwent surgery of the prostate were reviewed. All patients underwent urinalysis and urine culture preoperatively and postoperatively. Efficacy of antibiotic prophylaxis and risk factors for infectious complications were investigated. Infectious complications were observed in 34.9% of all patients. Factors independently associated with infectious complications were diabetes mellitus (adjusted OR, 1.99; 95% CI, 1.09-3.65, P=0.025) and operation time (adjusted OR, 1.08; 95% CI, 1.03-1.13, P=0.004). Clinicians should be aware of the high risk of infectious complications in patients with diabetes and those who undergo a prolonged operation time. Neither the type nor duration of prophylactic antibiotics resulted in differences in infectious complications.

Laparoscopic Stone Surgery With the Aid of Flexible Nephroscopy

PURPOSE: To report the outcome of laparoscopic pyelo- and ureterolithotomies with the aid of flexible nephroscopy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed in 71 patients with complex renal stones or large and impacted proximal ureteral stones. Patients underwent laparoscopic pyelo- or ureterolithotomies with or without the removal of small residual stones by use of flexible nephroscopy between July 2005 and July 2010. Operative success was defined as no residual stones in the intravenous pyelogram at 12 weeks postoperatively. Perioperative results and surgical outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: The patients' mean age was 54.7+/-13.7 years, and 53 males (74.6%) and 18 females (25.4%) were included. The mean maximal stone size was 19.4+/-9.4 mm. A total of 47 cases were complex renal stones and 24 cases were impacted ureteral stones. Mean operative time was 139.0+/-63.7 minutes. Stones were completely removed in 61 cases (85.9%), and no further ancillary treatment was needed for clinically insignificant residual fragments in 7 cases (9.9%). For complex renal stones, the complete stone-free rate and clinically significant stone-free rate were 80.9% and 93.6%, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that the use of flexible nephroscopy for complex renal stones can reduce the risk of residual stones. A major complication occurred in one case, in which open conversion was performed. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic stone surgery is a safe and minimally invasive procedure with a high success rate, especially with the aid of flexible nephroscopy, and is not associated with procedure-specific complications.

Successful Removal of an Intravesical Electrical Wire Cable

A few previous reports have described cases wherein electrical wire cables were inserted into the male urethra and bladder. Electrical wire cables are available at home and are easy to insert. However, after they coil in the patient's bladder, they are difficult to remove. In February 2013, a 30-year-old man presented to the emergency room of SMG-SNU Boramae Medical Center with a urethral foreign body. He had inserted an electrical wire cable into his urethra for the purpose of masturbation, despite having a regular sex partner and no underlying disease. A kidney-ureter-bladder radiography showed a tangled wire in his bladder and urethra. On the next day, we tried to remove the wire cystoscopically, but this proved to be impossible because of complex coiling and the slippery surface of the wire. A Pfannenstiel incision was made to remove the foreign body. No postoperative complications were noted.

Successful Removal of an Intravesical Electrical Wire Cable

A few previous reports have described cases wherein electrical wire cables were inserted into the male urethra and bladder. Electrical wire cables are available at home and are easy to insert. However, after they coil in the patient's bladder, they are difficult to remove. In February 2013, a 30-year-old man presented to the emergency room of SMG-SNU Boramae Medical Center with a urethral foreign body. He had inserted an electrical wire cable into his urethra for the purpose of masturbation, despite having a regular sex partner and no underlying disease. A kidney-ureter-bladder radiography showed a tangled wire in his bladder and urethra. On the next day, we tried to remove the wire cystoscopically, but this proved to be impossible because of complex coiling and the slippery surface of the wire. A Pfannenstiel incision was made to remove the foreign body. No postoperative complications were noted.