title: Computed tomography of retained abdominal sponges and towels.
abstract: The diagnosis of retained sponges and towels a year or more after surgery is often very difficult. We describe the computed tomographic (CT) findings in 4 patients with this complication; 2 cases of retained sponges and 2 cases of retained towels. While the CT appearance of the retained sponges was not specific, the particular appearance of the retained towels had not been previously described. This appearance is characteristic enough to suggest the correct diagnosis before reoperation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Hotel Dieu de Paris, France.
authors.forename: J N
authors.initials: JN
authors.lastname: Buy
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Hubert
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Ghossain
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Malbec
authors.forename: J P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Bethoux
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Ecoiffier
mesh_terms: D000005:Abdomen; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005547:Foreign Bodies / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006488:Hemostasis, Surgical / Q000295:instrumentation*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed