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Retained surgical swabs in 13 dogs
K Forster1, D Anderson, D A Yool
1Small Animal Teaching Hospital, Leahurst, Neston, Wirral, CH64 7TE, UK.
The Veterinary Record
|August 18, 2011
Summary
Retained surgical swabs in dogs and cats are rare but can lead to complications. Prompt diagnosis and surgical intervention result in excellent outcomes for most affected animals.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Surgery
- Surgical Complications
Background:
- Retained surgical swabs are an uncommon but serious complication following surgical procedures in animals.
- These foreign objects can lead to significant morbidity and necessitate further surgical intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To document the signalment, clinical presentation, diagnostic findings, surgical management, and outcomes of dogs and cats with retained surgical swabs.
- To analyze the factors influencing the outcome in cases of retained surgical sponges.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective review of medical records from four referral centers was conducted.
- Cases involving retained surgical swabs identified during surgery at the referral hospital were included.
- Data collected included signalment, history, clinical signs, diagnostic and surgical findings, and patient outcome.
Main Results:
- Thirteen dogs were included in the study, with initial surgeries including abdominal procedures, ovariohysterectomy, and perineal hernia repair.
- The time from initial surgery to presentation ranged from four days to seven years.
- Major surgery was required for eight dogs, and the outcome was excellent in 12 out of 13 cases.
Conclusions:
- Retained surgical swabs in dogs, while rare, can be successfully managed with surgical intervention.
- The majority of affected dogs experience excellent outcomes following diagnosis and treatment.
- Early recognition and surgical removal are crucial for favorable prognosis in cases of retained surgical sponges.
