Surgical swab foreign bodies--observations on 7 cases in Lagos

S Afr J Surg. 2003 Aug;41(3):73-5.

Abstract

Foreign bodies inadvertently left in body cavities are a rare complication of abdominal and other surgeries. The true incidence of this condition is not known. The author reports on 7 such cases occurring over a 16-year period and comments on preventive measures, early diagnosis, tactful handling and the need for damage control when dealing with this unwelcome issue in a surgical setting.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Child, Preschool
  • Ethics, Medical
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Medical Errors / ethics*
  • Middle Aged
  • Nigeria
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Surgical Procedures, Operative / adverse effects*
  • Surgical Sponges / adverse effects*
  • Surgical Wound Dehiscence / etiology*
  • Surgical Wound Dehiscence / therapy
  • Surgical Wound Infection / etiology*
  • Surgical Wound Infection / therapy
  • Truth Disclosure