Subhepatic mass occurrence after using oxidized and regenerated cellulose polymer in laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a case series.

BACKGROUND

Oxidized regenerated cellulose (ORC) is a bioabsorbable surgical hemostatic. We present the first prospective case series of circumscribed mass occurrence after using ORC in laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

METHODS

Tabotamp (Ethicon, Inc., Somerville, NJ) in the form of tightly woven knitted patches was used to achieve hemostasis in 83 patients submitted to LC.

RESULTS

A subhepatic mass was detected in five patients and radiologic characteristics were described. Abdominal contrast enhanced CT showed a heterogeneous soft-tissue mass. NMR was performed in one patient and showed a T2-weighted hyperintense mass.

CONCLUSION

ORC retention after surgery is not uncommon at long-term follow-up. The radiologic characteristics of a suspected ORC retention mass can differentiate it from a neoplastic lesion, so that surgery can be avoided.