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Retained fecalith after laparoscopic appendectomy

D W Strathern1, B T Jones

  • 1Department of Surgery, Summa Health System, Akron City Hospital, 525 East Market Street, Akron, OH 44309-2090, USA.

Surgical Endoscopy
|March 5, 1999
PubMed

Insights

A retained fecalith caused an intraabdominal abscess after laparoscopic appendectomy. This case highlights the importance of preventing and managing retained fecaliths, similar to retained gallstones.

Area of Science:

  • Surgical complications
  • Gastrointestinal surgery
  • Abdominal imaging

Background:

  • Laparoscopic appendectomy is a common surgical procedure.
  • Retained surgical materials can lead to complications.
  • Fecaliths are calcified or hardened feces that can be retained.

Observation:

  • A patient developed an intraabdominal abscess.
  • The abscess originated from a retained fecalith.
  • This occurred after a laparoscopic appendectomy.

Findings:

  • Retained fecaliths are a potential complication of laparoscopic appendectomy.
  • Intraabdominal abscess formation is a serious consequence.
  • Management strategies for retained fecaliths are crucial.

Implications:

  • Preventing fecalith retention is key to patient safety.
  • Awareness of retained fecaliths is important for surgeons.
  • Comparing management to retained gallstones may offer insights.

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