Retained abdominal retractor blade - an unusual cause of chronic pelvic pain: A case report

Authors

  • Dr. Joy K. Ngoloma Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
  • Dr, Philomena A. Owende Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya
  • Dr. Benjamin O. Elly Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.59692/jogeca.v34i2.79

Keywords:

chronic pelvic pain, hysterectomy, laparoscopy, retained foreign objects

Abstract

Background: Retained foreign objects (RFOs) are surgical items that are unintentionally retained within the patient's body after a surgical procedure and are associated with morbidity, mortality and medicolegal ramifications.

Case presentation: A 48-year-old para 3+0 presented to the gynecology clinic with a long-standing history of nonspecific symptoms following hysterectomy performed 22 months earlier. Examination findings and imaging studies were unremarkable. Diagnostic laparoscopy revealed a retained retractor blade overlying the sigmoid colon. The symptoms resolved after removal, and the patient was discharged on the second postoperative day.

Conclusion: Retained foreign objects often result in nonspecific symptoms and may be missed on imaging leading to diagnostic challenges. A high suspicion index is required to diagnose RFOs.

Author Biographies

Dr. Joy K. Ngoloma, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya

Registrar, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya.

Dr, Philomena A. Owende, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya

Registrar, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya.

Dr. Benjamin O. Elly, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya

Registrar, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya.

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Published

2022-05-31

How to Cite

Ngoloma, J., Owende, P., & Elly, B. (2022). Retained abdominal retractor blade - an unusual cause of chronic pelvic pain: A case report. Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of Eastern and Central Africa, 34(2), 62–64. https://doi.org/10.59692/jogeca.v34i2.79

Issue

Vol. 34 No. 2 (2022): JOGECA Volume 34 Issue 2

Section

Case report

Categories

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