Misleading interpretation of distended post-op bowel images in Helical CT scan

Ann Ital Chir. 2007 Jul-Aug;78(4):315-7.

Abstract

Differential diagnosis of distended post-op colon can be misleading when based solely to imaging findings. A case report of an artefact giving the impression of faecal leak or foreign body (gossypiboma) in Spiral Computerized Tomography after colonic surgery is presented. The patient was managed conservatively due to the lack of clinical evidence of abdominal emergency, A second CT scan twenty days later revealed no findings besides minor colonic diverticulas.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Artifacts*
  • Colon / diagnostic imaging*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Foreign Bodies / diagnostic imaging*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Postoperative Complications / diagnostic imaging*
  • Surgical Wound Dehiscence / diagnostic imaging*
  • Tomography, Spiral Computed