Medical Oddities: A fowl cause of urinary obstruction
A rogue chicken bone, stalled sweat, yoga for IBS, and L-theanine for sleep is break room fodder this week.
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By
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Teraya Smith
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September 10, 2026
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Clinical Scorecard: Medical Oddities: A fowl cause of urinary obstruction
At a Glance
| Category | Detail |
|---|
| Condition | Urinary obstruction due to foreign body |
| Key Mechanisms | Chicken bone lodged in diverticular sigmoid colon compressing distal left ureter |
| Target Population | Older adults with recurrent urinary issues |
| Care Setting | Emergency and interventional radiology |
Key Highlights
- 89-year-old woman with chronic hydronephrosis and recurrent UTIs
- Blood cultures grew Klebsiella pneumoniae; urine cultures grew Enterococcus faecium
- CT revealed chicken bone causing obstruction and renal parenchymal atrophy
- Interventional radiology placed nephroureteric stent to relieve obstruction
- Patient discharged with regular stent exchanges after successful management
Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
- Use imaging (CT) to identify foreign bodies causing urinary obstruction
Management
- Initiate targeted intravenous antibiotics for infection
- Consider interventional radiology for obstruction relief
Monitoring & Follow-up
- Monitor inflammatory markers and renal function post-intervention
Risks
- Potential for recurrent urinary tract infections and complications from foreign body
Patient & Prescribing Data
Older adults with urinary obstruction
Antibiotics may be necessary but should be followed by intervention for obstruction
Clinical Best Practices
- Prompt imaging for patients with recurrent urinary issues
- Consider foreign body ingestion in differential diagnosis for urinary obstruction
- Regular follow-up for stent management in patients with urinary obstruction
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