Holmium laser-assisted endoscopic extraction of a fishhook from the male urethra

A man 37 years of age presented with frequency and dysuria. Rigid cystoscopy revealed the presence of a fishhook in the anterior urethra. Initial attempts to remove the fishhook in one piece by forceps or a basket were unsuccessful. The fishhook was cut into two pieces using a holmium laser via a 9-Fr ureteroscope and removed by forceps. The anterior urethra experienced a minor tear during the procedure. He voided well without significant urethral stricture 6 months postoperatively. An open urethrotomy is usually indicated for unsuccessful endoscopic removal of foreign bodies from the male urethra, which often leads to recurrent urethral stricture. The novel use of a holmium laser to facilitate the endoscopic removal of a fishhook from the male urethra may reduce the risk of postoperative urethral stricture.