Laparoscopic retrieval of retained intraperitoneal drains in the immediate postoperative period

Retained intraperitoneal Penrose drain secondary to fracture and adhesions in the immediate postoperative period happens on occasion. Most are unreported because of the fear of medico-legal problems. Previous management of such iatrogenic complications requires repeated laparotomy or wound exploration. Two patients who underwent appendectomy for ruptured appendicitis, with retained intraabdominal drains in the immediate postoperative period, managed eventually by laparoscopic retrieval are presented. Both patients had right low transverse incisions and intraabdominal drains exiting through a separate right lateral abdomen skin opening. Patient 1 had a stuck intraabdominal drain unable to be removed up to the second week. Patient 2's drain retracted intraperitoneally after its mobilization on the sixth post-op day. Both were managed by laparoscopy under general anesthesia with successful removal of both drains. Patient 1 underwent the procedure 3 weeks after the appendectomy, whereas Patient 2 had the procedure on her sixth post-op day. An additional new 1-cm wound in the periumbilical area was done for the introduction of pneumoperitoneum and 10-mm port for which the laparoscope was inserted. The second 5-mm port was inserted through the old drain site wound with peritoneal entry opening separate from the previous peritoneal defect viewed from laparoscope. Both drains had some marked adhesions from ingrowth of omentum to the side holes of the drain, causing it to get stuck in the pelvic cavity. This laparoscopic approach in the management of such iatrogenic complication, besides being cosmetically acceptable, contributes to early recovery and discharge of the patient, and helps to lessen the friction in the recently worsening doctor-patient relationship in Taiwan.