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Complications Beyond Borders: A Case Study on a Retained Surgical Towel Leading to an Intra-abdominal Abscess
Dallin Judd1, Jaden Hawes1, Jake Oldham1
1Medicine, Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, USA.
Abstract:
This report discusses a significant complication following a hysterectomy performed in Mexico on a 46-year-old woman who developed an intra-abdominal abscess due to a retained surgical towel - a severe but rare surgical error. Initially, her post-surgical symptoms, such as abdominal pain, fever, and malaise, were dismissed by her surgeon in Mexico as typical recovery effects. However, as her condition worsened, she sought emergency care in Arizona. A CT scan revealed a substantial abscess in her abdomen, identified by a radiodense ribbon indicating the forgotten surgical towel. Emergency surgery was required to remove the towel and treat the abscess, further complicated by the presence of a multi-drug-resistant organism. This case underscores the importance of strict adherence to surgical safety protocols, the risks of seeking medical procedures abroad, and the critical need for thorough postoperative monitoring and clear communication between patients and healthcare providers.
Insights
A retained surgical towel caused a severe intra-abdominal abscess after a hysterectomy. This rare surgical error highlights the need for strict safety protocols and vigilant postoperative care.
Area of Science:
- Medical Case Report
- Surgical Complications
- Patient Safety
Background:
- Hysterectomy is a common surgical procedure.
- Surgical errors, though rare, can have severe consequences.
- Retained surgical items are a known, albeit infrequent, complication.
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