title: Lost surgical specimens.
abstract: It is an unfortunate fact that surgical specimens can become lost in the peritoneal cavity. Several reparative actions may be required, including laparotomy. The preferred method to avoid this complication, however, is to prevent it from occurring.
authors.affiliation: Endosurgery Unit, Mercy Hospital for Women, Melbourne, Australia.
authors.forename: D J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Hill
authors.forename: P J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Maher
authors.forename: E C
authors.initials: EC
authors.lastname: Wood
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005547:Foreign Bodies; D005831:Genital Diseases, Female / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007044:Hysterectomy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D019300:Medical Errors / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010529:Peritoneal Cavity / Q000601:surgery*; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012189:Retrospective Studies