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Retained vaginal gauze with unusual complication: a case report
1Department of Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C.
Changgeng Yi Xue Za Zhi
|March 1, 1997
Summary
A rare case of postpartum retained vaginal gauze migrating to the bladder, presenting as a bladder stone, highlights the need for prevention. This preventable issue requires careful gauze management after delivery or surgery.
Area of Science:
- Medical Case Reports
- Surgical Complications
- Gynecology
Background:
- Retained surgical gauze is a rare but preventable complication following obstetric and gynecological procedures.
- It can lead to significant patient morbidity and diagnostic challenges.
Observation:
- A postpartum patient presented with chronic abdominal pain and irritable bladder symptoms.
- Extensive clinical evaluations failed to identify the cause of her symptoms.
Findings:
- The retained vaginal gauze migrated to the urinary bladder, forming a bladder stone.
- This unusual presentation mimicked other chronic pelvic conditions.
Implications:
- Retained surgical gauze should be considered in the differential diagnosis for postpartum patients with unexplained chronic abdominal pain or bladder issues.
- Strict adherence to surgical site counts and meticulous gauze removal protocols are crucial for prevention.