Transabdominal migration of retained surgical sponge

Area of Science:

• Surgical Complications
• Medical Imaging
• Pathology

Background:

• Retained surgical sponges (RSS) are infrequent but serious postoperative complications.
• RSS can occur in various body cavities, including the abdomen, thorax, and spine.
• Diagnosis is challenging due to nonspecific clinical and radiological findings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a rare case of retained surgical sponge migration.
• To illustrate the diagnostic difficulties associated with retained surgical sponges.
• To highlight an unusual presentation of retained surgical sponge causing an abdominal wall abscess.

Main Methods:

• Case report presentation.
• Review of clinical presentation and diagnostic imaging.
• Surgical and pathological findings analysis.

Main Results:

• A retained surgical sponge migrated through the abdominal wall.
• The migrated sponge resulted in an anterior abdominal wall abscess.
• The case underscores the potential for delayed and unusual presentations of retained surgical sponges.

Conclusions:

• Retained surgical sponges can present with varied and delayed complications.
• Early and accurate diagnosis of retained surgical sponges is crucial for patient outcomes.
• This case emphasizes the importance of vigilance for retained surgical sponges, even with atypical presentations.