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Forgetting gauze or “a surgical drape” inside a patient after surgery is a rare medical error. It can lead to severe complications, high hospital costs and medico-legal implications. As a result, this complication is often not reported, mainly to avoid retaliation and because it can initiate extensive critical press coverage. This technical oversight may be just the tip of an iceberg concerning the reality of surgical errors; therefore, the entire surgical team must focus on prevention, continuing medical education and strict adherence to protocols and counting guidelines to minimize their incidence. We present the case of a 76-year-old patient with an acute abdomen; after an initial evaluation, a gossypiboma was discovered, which was forgotten 24 years after prostatectomy.

Anatomical variations of the celiac and mesenteric artery have been described over the past two centuries; many of these variations will have no clinical repercussions and will only be found incidentally or during imaging studies. However, these variations can lead to severe complications if undetected during surgery, transplantation or when they are affected by ischemia. Therefore, prompt treatment is needed to overcome these dangerous scenarios. We present the case of a 71-year-old patient who had a celiacomesenteric trunk and developed transient intestinal ischemia; however, he suffered severe acidosis and hyperlactatemia that ultimately led to organ failure and death.

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Pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis is a rare pathology with nonspecific symptoms that can be easily misdiagnosed. Clinical awareness along with close surveillance is critical to effectively diagnose and treat this condition. Current treatment is based on conservative therapy including antibiotics and oxygen. Surgery is only recommended when complications are suspected. Here, we present the case of a 72-year-old female admitted to the emergency department with abdominal pain and vomits. Pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis was diagnosed and was successfully treated. On follow-up visits, patient is recovering and doing well.

No abstract