Retained foreign bodies after abdominal surgery

ABSTRACT

To look into clinical presentations of intra-abdominal foreign bodies, identify risk factors for incorrect sponge and towel counts. Describe complications that can occur from retained sponges and towels, to see measures for prevention. The records of twelve patients with a confirmed diagnosis of gossypiboma after abdominal surgery at AL - Kadhimyia teaching hospital and private hospital, in Baghdad, between January 2007 and January 2010, were retrospectively reviewed. Nine of the twelve patients were female and three male. Previously, of the patients, three underwent elective operations and nine were operated on for emergency. Among retained surgical foreign bodies, sponges accounted for 66.6% of patients, gauze were found in 33.3% of patients. Operated in emergency 75% and elective 25%. Clinical presentations were intestinal obstruction 25%., abdomen Mass 25%, Discharging Sinus 16.6%, Intra abdominal abscess 16.6%, Persistent abdominal pain 16.6%. Retained foreign bodies commonly occur during an emergent procedure when the surgical team's efforts are completely focused on saving the patient's life. In that scenario, speed is essential and taking the time to perform a surgical count may not be an option. Other situations or factors that may lead to a retained foreign body include unplanned changes in the surgical procedure, patients with increased body mass, and procedures involving increased blood loss