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Removal of a suture needle: a case report
Suyun Seon1, Baek-Soo Lee1, Byung-Joon Choi1
1Department of Oral and Maxillofacial surgery, School of Dentistry, Kyung Hee University, 26, Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, 130-701, South Korea.
Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
|July 5, 2021
Summary
A lost suture needle during oral surgery was successfully removed using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and reference needles. This case highlights advanced imaging for retrieving foreign bodies in dental procedures.
Area of Science:
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
- Dental Imaging
- Surgical Complications
Background:
- Foreign bodies can be inadvertently left in the oral cavity post-surgery.
- Commonly reported lost items include impression material, gauze, and needles.
- Accidental suture needle breakage is a rare but serious complication.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of a lost suture needle during a flap operation.
- To describe the successful retrieval of the embedded needle.
- To emphasize advanced imaging techniques for foreign body localization.
Main Methods:
- A case of a lost 6-0 nylon suture needle during a flap operation is presented.
- Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) was utilized for localization.
- Two reference needles and clinician consultation aided in precise needle retrieval under anesthesia.
Main Results:
- Successful removal of the lost suture needle was achieved.
- CBCT imaging proved effective in guiding the retrieval process.
- The procedure was performed under local/general anesthesia.
Conclusions:
- Accurate localization of embedded foreign bodies is crucial for successful retrieval.
- CBCT with reference markers can be a valuable tool in complex dental cases.
- Alternative radiographic methods may be necessary if mouth-closing CT scans affect accuracy.
