Retained surgical materials in the postoperative abdomen and pelvis.

The imaging appearances of surgical materials in the postoperative abdomen and pelvis can be confusing and difficult to interpret. With the increasing complexity of surgical procedures and more frequent use of postoperative imaging, the radiologist needs to be familiar with the imaging characteristics of a variety of intentionally and unintentionally placed surgical materials and devices. In addition, they must be differentiated from postoperative complications such as hematoma or abscess.