Postoperative Surgicel mimicking abscesses following cholecystectomy and liver biopsy.
In postoperative patients presenting with abdominal pain or fever, a computed tomography (CT) finding of gas in the operative site raises concern for abscess but can be mimicked by the normal postoperative appearance of oxidized regenerated cellulose (Surgicel). Information about the operative use of Surgicel and its location is important for accurate CT interpretation of postoperative studies. This case illustrates a scenario in which knowledge of the use of Surgicel offered an explanation for the CT findings, resulting in successful conservative management.
Arnold
Alicia C
AC
Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA 02115, USA. acarnold@partners.org
Sodickson
Aaron
A
D018784:Abdominal Abscess / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D001706:Biopsy; D002483:Cellulose, Oxidized; D002763:Cholecystectomy; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005547:Foreign Bodies / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006801:Humans; D008103:Liver Cirrhosis / Q000175:diagnosis; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*
D002483:Cellulose, Oxidized; C013695:Surgicel