Related Experiment Videos
[Oxidized cellulose (Surgicel) mimics an abscess after laparoscopic partial nephrectomy]
L A Fariña Pérez1, C Delgado, J Dos Santos
1Servicios de Urología y Radiología, Centro Médico POVISA, Vigo, Pontevedra.
Actas Urologicas Espanolas
|March 30, 2004
Summary
Oxidized cellulose gauze (Surgicel) can appear as a gas-forming abscess on postoperative imaging. Awareness of surgical placement and imaging findings prevents misdiagnosis of infection.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Surgical Oncology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Oxidized cellulose gauze (Surgicel) is used in surgery.
- Trapped air in gauze can mimic gas-forming abscesses on imaging.
Observation:
- Postoperative CT scans revealed gas collections at Surgicel placement sites.
- These findings occurred after laparoscopic partial nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma.
Findings:
- Gas within Surgicel gauze can persist for over a month.
- This imaging finding can be mistaken for a bacterial abscess.
Implications:
- Radiologists and surgeons must be aware of this imaging artifact.
- Clinical context and operative reports are crucial for accurate diagnosis.
- Effective communication between surgical and radiology teams prevents misdiagnosis.