Abstract:
Introduction: Retained textile surgical meshes (TSM) which are
left unintentionally in abdominal cavity are a problem despite
precautions measures. Being qualified as major medical error, they
are rarely reported. The natural evolution of condition is indistinct,
whereas diagnosis and treatment are difficult.
Purpose: To determine typical imagistic signs of textile surgical
meshes with other surgical and non-surgical pathologies.
Material and methods: During a 17 year period (2003-2020) nineteen
patients with retained TSM were admitted in two Departments of Surgery.
Males – 6, females – 13, with median age 32.8 (±3.1) years. Time to readmission
after first surgery ranged from 5 days to 15 years. Imaging studies included
abdominal radiography, ultrasound scan, and computed tomography.
Results: Transabdominal ultrasound had shown a well-defined mass with a
strong posterior shadow. Computed tomography revealed a well-defined
“spongiform” mass with gas bubbles inside. Seventeen patients underwent
repeated surgery with removing of surgical meshes and drainage of
contaminated intra-abdominal collection, one – partial gastrectomy for
suspected tumor, and one hysterectomy with bilateral anexectomy for bleeding.
Conclusions: Retained textile surgical mesh should be considered as a possible diagnosis in any postoperative patient, who presents with signs of
peritoneal infection or with abdominal mass. Repeated surgery is usually required for removing surgical meshes from abdominal cavity.
Description:
Universitatea de Stat de Medicină și Farmacie ”Nicolae Testemițanu”, Catedra Chirurgie Nr.1 ”Nicolae Anestiadi”, Chișinău, Republica Moldova, Congresul consacrat aniversării a 75-a de la fondarea Universității de Stat de Medicină și Farmacie „Nicolae Testemițanu” din Republica Moldova, Ziua internațională a științei pentru pace și dezvoltare