This presentation illustrates a large variety of commonly used surgical instruments that can potentially be left behind. The pertinent complications of these devices and of retained surgical objects are highlighted. After reading this article, the reader will be familiar with the radiographic appearance of many of the potentially retained surgical foreign bodies.

Retained surgical foreign bodies are relatively uncommon. Radiologists are often asked to evaluate intra and post-operative radiographs to search for surgical foreign bodies after an incorrect needle, sponge, or instrument count. Familiarity with the radiographic appearance of these instruments can help the radiologist easily identify.

Introduction Unintentionally retained surgical foreign bodies are considered “never events”; adverse events that should never happen and can be prevented. Conventional radiographs are generally used as study of first choice for detecting surgical foreign bodies. ​Many surgical instruments and devices have distinctive radiographic appearance.​ If surgical instruments remain retained and undetected for long periods of time, symptoms due to abscess development, bleeding, fistula formation or other organ specific complications can arise.​ ​ Needles Surgical needles are the most commonly miscounted surgical item and the most...

Conventional radiographs are generally used as study of first choice for detecting surgical foreign bodies. Many surgical instruments and devices have distinctive radiographic appearance, for instance all sponges manufactured in the USA contain radiopaque markers; either part of an attached string or interwoven into the sponge. If surgical instruments remain retained and undetected for long periods of time, symptoms due to abscess development, bleeding, fistula formation or other organ specific complications can arise.

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