OBJECTIVE: Oxidized regenerated cellulose is a hemostatic agent used in surgery to control bleeding. Some case reports have suggested that it could lead to a mistaken diagnosis of abscess on postoperative CT scan. The objective of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of CT scan for Surgicel® Fibrillar. STUDY DESIGN: We prospectively registered all patients who had Surgicel® Fibrillar left in the operative site during one year. Patients who had a CT scan for medical reasons (e.g. fever, pain, or occlusive syndrome) were evaluated and we compared the radiologists' conclusions with or without information about the use of Surgicel® (two different radiologists, one blinded to the use of Surgicel®). RESULTS: 18 patients who underwent pelvic laparotomy had Surgicel® Fibrillar left in the operative site. On first interpretation, the radiologist's conclusion was an abscess in 11% of cases, hematoma in 28%, collections with hydro-aeric levels in 33%, lymphocele in 6% and no conclusion in 11% of cases. For only 2 patients (11%) was the conclusion Surgicel® Fibrillar. After second interpretation by a radiologist aware of the presence of Surgicel® Fibrillar, Surgicel® Fibrillar was the main conclusion on 15 CT scans (83%). CONCLUSION: Oxidized regenerated cellulose is a differential diagnosis for abscess or collection. The radiologist should be informed about its presence to increase appropriate evaluation of CT scans and avoid inappropriate treatment.
OBJECTIVE: Oxidized regenerated cellulose is a hemostatic agent used in surgery to control bleeding. Some case reports have suggested that it could lead to a mistaken diagnosis of abscess on postoperative CT scan. The objective of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of CT scan for Surgicel® Fibrillar. STUDY DESIGN: We prospectively registered all patients who had Surgicel® Fibrillar left in the operative site during one year. Patients who had a CT scan for medical reasons (e.g. fever, pain, or occlusive syndrome) were evaluated and we compared the radiologists' conclusions with or without information about the use of Surgicel® (two different radiologists, one blinded to the use of Surgicel®). RESULTS: 18 patients who underwent pelvic laparotomy had Surgicel® Fibrillar left in the operative site. On first interpretation, the radiologist's conclusion was an abscess in 11% of cases, hematoma in 28%, collections with hydro-aeric levels in 33%, lymphocele in 6% and no conclusion in 11% of cases. For only 2 patients (11%) was the conclusion Surgicel® Fibrillar. After second interpretation by a radiologist aware of the presence of Surgicel® Fibrillar, Surgicel® Fibrillar was the main conclusion on 15 CT scans (83%). CONCLUSION: Oxidized regenerated cellulose is a differential diagnosis for abscess or collection. The radiologist should be informed about its presence to increase appropriate evaluation of CT scans and avoid inappropriate treatment.
Authors: Lina Zuccatosta; Maria Agnese Latini; Federico Mei; Martina Bonifazi; Emanuela Barisione; Mario Salio; Stefano Gasparini; Francesca Gonnelli Journal: Front Med (Lausanne) Date: 2022-09-23