A rare case report of long-standing foreign body in the abdomen; forgotten scalpel blade in a multipara

A rare case report of long-standing foreign body in the abdomen; forgotten scalpel blade in a multipara: Joel A Adze, Matthew C Taingson, Makama G Jerry, Stephen B Bature, Durosinlorun M Amina, Mohammed Caleb, Abubakar Amina, Airede Lydia, Sheyin John



Archives of International Surgery 2018 8(3):139-142



The unintended retention of foreign objects (URFOs) after invasive procedures can cause morbidity and in some cases mortality. There may be an extended period between occurrence and detection of an URFO. Retained foreign objects are most commonly detected immediately postprocedure by X-ray, during routine follow-up visits, or from the patient's report of pain or discomfort. This is a case report of a 46-year-old lady Para 3+04 alive who presented to the gynecological clinic following an incidental radiological finding of a size 22 scalpel blade while being evaluated for low back pain. She had an exploratory laparotomy and retrieval of the blade. She did well and was discharged home in good condition on postoperative day 7.