[Oxidized cellulose (Surgicel) mimics an abscess after laparoscopic partial nephrectomy].

INTRODUCTION

Oxidized cellulose gauze (Surgicel) left into the surgical bed can mimic a gas-forming abscess in the close postoperative image studies, because of air trapped within the interstices of the gauze, before that being degraded.

PATIENT AND METHOD

In the early postoperative CT scan of a laparoscopic partial nephrectomy due to renal cell carcinoma, two small collections of gas were found, at the sites where Surgicel was placed. Being aware of the surgical details, they were not confused with an abscess.

COMMENT

Small collections of gas into a Surgicel gauze may be detected until more than a month after surgery, imitating a bacterial abscess, but the clinical context, operative reports and a good communication between the surgeon and the radiologist should avoid this mistake.