title: Open tube thoracoscopy for removal of intrapleural foreign bodies.
abstract: Failure to remove all sponges and surgical instruments from the operative field after thoracic surgical procedures can lead to serious complications. Fortunately this occurrence is rare and preventable. Two patients are described in whom intrapleural foreign bodies were successfully removed by open tube thoracoscopy, a technique that the authors recommend as the procedure of choice in such cases.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, University of Alberta, Edmonton.
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Thannikkotu
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Vallieres
authors.forename: J D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Urschel
mesh_terms: D002675:Child, Preschool; D001026:Coronary Artery Bypass; D005260:Female; D005547:Foreign Bodies / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010994:Pleura; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000628:therapy*; D013903:Thoracic Surgery; D013906:Thoracoscopy / Q000379:methods*