PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - Noor Ali
AU  - Sanjay Gandhi
TI  - Retained wound protector following abdominal surgery
AID  - 10.1136/bcr-2019-230064
DP  - 2019 Aug 01
TA  - BMJ Case Reports
PG  - e230064
VI  - 12
IP  - 8
4099  - http://casereports.bmj.com/content/12/8/e230064.short
4100  - http://casereports.bmj.com/content/12/8/e230064.full
SO  - BMJ Case Reports2019 Aug 01; 12
AB  - Medical devices which have been erroneously retained postoperatively has been a persisting problem encountered over many decades, despite rigid protocols and preventative measures being put in place. We present a case of a retained wound protector detected on CT following abdominal surgery, the first published report of its kind to our knowledge. Radiologists reporting the images should be familiar with commonly used medical devices. This case also highlights the importance of reviewing the CT scout imaging as an essential part of the study, particularly in the recognition of foreign bodies or medical devices. We re-emphasise the importance of effective and timely communication with the surgical team, should there be any suspicion of retained surgical appliance.