FIREFIGHTERS in Ireland faced an unusual medical drama after a metal ring became stuck on a man's penis, it has emerged.
Doctors at Mater University Hospital in Dublin said they were forced to call the fire brigade after a patient arrived in the emergency department suffering from severe “pain and swelling”.
The titanium ring, which measured 5cm x 4cm x 1.5cm, was stuck at the base of the man’s “sore and swelled” scrotum.
An angle grinder was used to remove a ring after standard equipment failed to do the job, according to a report in the Irish Medical Journal (IMJ).
An orthopaedic saw as well as bolt and bone cutters each failed to grasp the object due to the size and texture of the ring.
The IMJ said that metal rings such as the one in question are often used to improve sexual performance by maintaining an erection for a longer period.
But the journal added that genital rings increase the chance of “organ-threatening complications”.
The patient had put on the ring seven hours earlier and was suffering from a rare case of “penile strangulation” at the time.
The man involved was sedated with a mix of Ketamine, Fentanyl and Propofol before the fire brigade used the handheld grinder to remove the object.
Medics ran water over the man’s private parts to prevent heat damage to his skin.
Protective fire protection sheets were also used to protect the patient and staff from sparks.
The entire procedure lasted about 20 minutes.
The medics found that the man had suffered a Grade 2 injury.
Grade 5, which involves gangrene and complete amputation of penis, is the most extreme injury you can suffer.
The medics state that Grade 2 involves injury to the skin with decreased penile sensation.
The IMJ added that the man has since had a "full functional recovery".
