Laparoscopic removal of a large laparotomy pad forgotten in situ.

ABSTRACT

Objects forgotten during surgery are still an important complication with ethical and forensic implications. This case report describes a splenectomized patient with type II Hodgkin's disease. A large laparotomy pad (68 x 48 cm) forgotten in situ during a staging operation 6 months previously was removed laparoscopically. In asplenic patients with a permanent immune deficiency it is especially advantageous to perform surgery via the "closed" route whenever possible.