Imaging Diagnosis of the Retained Surgical Sponge

Authors

  • Nittaya Chamadol Department of Radiology, Srinakarind Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40000, Thailand.
  • Tula Dhiensiri Department of Radiology, Srinakarind Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40000, Thailand.
  • Benjaporn Nitinavakarn Department of Radiology, Srinakarind Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40000, Thailand.

Abstract

Background: As long as non-absorbable and radiolucent sponges are used, the preoperative diagnosis of this condition will continue to be a problem. The purpose of this study is to report the imaging findings of retained surgical sponges in 4 patients. The diagnosis was confirmed by operation in all cases.

Materials and Methods: The data collected between 1985 and 2001, included the patients' age, sex, type of operation, interval from previous operation, symptomatology and imaging finding.

Results: Three patients presented with abdominal mass and one patient with intestinal obstruction. The plain abdominal radiography showed whorl-like shadow in 2 cases. Ultrasonography demonstrated low echoic mass with echoic component and posterior acoustic shadow in 2 cases. One computed tomography examination was performed and showed well-defined outline of a mixed density mass with multiple air bubble inside.

Conclusion: Imaging diagnosis of the retained surgical sponge has rarely been reported. We wish to present the imaging approach and findings which may be beneficial to the patient. These may help radiologist and surgeon to establish an early diagnosis of this condition.

References

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Published

2003-06-30

How to Cite

1.
Chamadol N, Dhiensiri T, Nitinavakarn B. Imaging Diagnosis of the Retained Surgical Sponge. Thai J Surg [Internet]. 2003 Jun. 30 [cited 2024 Dec. 23];24(2):59-62. Available from: https://he02.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/ThaiJSurg/article/view/242961

Issue

Vol. 24 No. 2 (2003): April - June

Section

Original Articles

License

Articles must be contributed solely to The Thai Journal of Surgery and when published become the property of the Royal College of Surgeons of Thailand. The Royal College of Surgeons of Thailand reserves copyright on all published materials and such materials may not be reproduced in any form without the written permission.