The Case of the Vanishing Vessel Loop: Unrecognized Removal Via Laparoscopic Suction Device

Abstract

Although the incidence rate of retained surgical items is low, it remains an important cause of patient injury and can lead to harm, death, and waste of time and resources when looking for the missing item. Perioperative counting of equipment is a common method to identify missing surgical items. We present a rare case report of a missing vessel loop that was suctioned by a suction irrigator device. The diagnosis of a retained surgical item is extremely important; special attention should be paid when suctioning body liquids with small surgical items nearby, to prevent incidences of missing items after the surgery.