Asymptomatic retained surgical gauze towel diagnosed 32 years after nephrectomy

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Surgical Complications
• Radiology

Background:

• Retained surgical gauze is an infrequent but recognized complication after surgical procedures.
• Diagnosis can be challenging due to asymptomatic presentations or subtle radiographic findings on plain films.

Observation:

• A patient presented with a rare, late manifestation of retained surgical gauze 32 years post-nephrectomy.
• The retained gauze mimicked a non-functional kidney on excretory urography (EU).

Findings:

• Plain abdominal films may not adequately detect retained surgical sponges.
• Advanced imaging modalities such as ultrasonography (US) and computerized tomography (CT) are crucial for accurate diagnosis and management.
• High clinical suspicion is essential for identifying these asymptomatic or deceptively presenting foreign bodies.

Implications:

• This case underscores the importance of considering retained surgical materials in the differential diagnosis of unexplained imaging findings, even years after surgery.
• Clinicians should utilize advanced imaging techniques when evaluating potential retained surgical sponges to avoid misdiagnosis and ensure appropriate patient care.