Presentation
Abdominal pain after abdominoplasty.
Patient Data
Post-operative changes related to ventral abdominoplasty with surgical drains in the anterior abdominal wall. Posterior subcutaneous drain.
Enhancing collection with mottled air in the left lower flank abdominal wall. Dense material anteriorly corresponding to a ribbon-like structure on the scout image.
Surgical sponge removed, note blue radiopaque ribbon.
Case Discussion
This patient underwent elective abdominoplasty at an outside facility and presented with post-operative abdominal pain, underwent CT which diagnosed a gossypiboma, and had it surgically removed. It is important to recognize the varied appearance of gossypiboma, which at first glance looks like an absces with mottled air. The radiopaque marker (when present) has a characteristic appearance on the scout images which helps confirm the diagnosis.
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