Peritoneal histiocytic reaction associated with oxidised regenerated cellulose, a form of mucicarminophilic histiocytosis

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.

Oxidized cellulose (Surgicel) based reaction post thyroidectomy mimicking an abscess: A case report

INTRODUCTION

Surgicel (oxidized cellulose) is used for intra-operative haemostasis and adhesion prevention. Previously local tissue reactions to oxidized cellulose have been reported at many surgical sites, but not in the head and neck.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

A 56 year old lady presented 30 days following total thyroidectomy with wound swelling and erythema. Multiple sinuses were noted within the wound, through which oxidized cellulose partially extruded. Following removal of the un-absorbed material the symptoms resolved over 3 days.

DISCUSSION

The absence of any systemic symptoms confirm that this was most likely a type four hypersensitivity reaction. The removal of the unabsorbed material was a further unique part of this case.

CONCLUSION

We present the first head and neck reaction to oxidized cellulose. This report serves to remind head and neck surgeons of the potential for local tissue reactions to this material.