title: Oxidized cellulose (Surgicel) based reaction post thyroidectomy mimicking an abscess: A case report.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Surgicel (oxidized cellulose) is used for intra-operative haemostasis and adhesion prevention. Previously local tissue reactions to oxidized cellulose have been reported at many surgical sites, but not in the head and neck.
  
  
  METHODS
  A 56 year old lady presented 30 days following total thyroidectomy with wound swelling and erythema. Multiple sinuses were noted within the wound, through which oxidized cellulose partially extruded. Following removal of the un-absorbed material the symptoms resolved over 3 days.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The absence of any systemic symptoms confirm that this was most likely a type four hypersensitivity reaction. The removal of the unabsorbed material was a further unique part of this case.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We present the first head and neck reaction to oxidized cellulose. This report serves to remind head and neck surgeons of the potential for local tissue reactions to this material.
authors.affiliation: Dept of Otolaryngology Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital, Ireland.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Royds
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kieran
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Timon