Surgical swab foreign bodies--observations on 7 cases in Lagos.
Foreign bodies inadvertently left in body cavities are a rare complication of abdominal and other surgeries. The true incidence of this condition is not known. The author reports on 7 such cases occurring over a 16-year period and comments on preventive measures, early diagnosis, tactful handling and the need for damage control when dealing with this unwelcome issue in a surgical setting.
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Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, PMB 12003, Lagos.
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004992:Ethics, Medical; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D019300:Medical Errors / Q000941:ethics*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009549:Nigeria; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013514:Surgical Procedures, Operative / Q000009:adverse effects*; D015503:Surgical Sponges / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013529:Surgical Wound Dehiscence / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D014342:Truth Disclosure