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Surgical clips: a nidus for foreign body reaction after hepatic resection
Kendra Grubb1, Singh Gagandeep, George Chatzoulis
1Division of Hepatobiliary/Pancreatic Surgery and Abdominal Organ Transplantation, University of Southern California, University Hospital, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA.
Abstract:
This case report describes a patient who underwent segment IV hepatic resection and 7 months later developed an abdominal wall abscess. This was a foreign body reaction to the surgical clips. The patient required an exploratory laparotomy with debridement and excision of the inflammatory mass in the anterior abdominal wall. Although occurrence is rare, foreign body reactions to surgical clips have been reported, especially as a complication of laparoscopic surgery.
Insights
A rare complication following liver surgery can be an abdominal wall abscess caused by surgical clips. Prompt surgical intervention is necessary for treatment and removal of the foreign body.
Area of Science:
- Surgical pathology
- Gastrointestinal surgery
- Abdominal wall complications
Background:
- Hepatic resection is a major surgical procedure for liver diseases.
- Abdominal wall abscesses can arise post-operatively, though uncommon.
- Surgical clips are frequently used in abdominal surgeries.
Observation:
- A patient developed an abdominal wall abscess 7 months after a segment IV hepatic resection.
- The abscess was identified as a foreign body reaction to surgical clips used during the initial procedure.
Findings:
- The patient underwent exploratory laparotomy for debridement and excision of the inflammatory mass.
- Histopathological examination confirmed a foreign body reaction to the surgical clips.
Implications:
- Foreign body reactions to surgical clips, while rare, are a potential complication of abdominal surgery, particularly laparoscopic procedures.
- Awareness of this complication is crucial for timely diagnosis and management in post-operative patients.
- Further research into materials and techniques to minimize foreign body reactions may be warranted.