Retained Surgical Instruments in the Pelvis Complicated by Colo-vesical Fistula

Abstract

Retaining a surgical instrument in the patient unintentionally could lead to serious complications and in extreme cases, death. It also damages the reputation of the healthcare provider, as well as the health facility involved. We report a case of retained haemostat and dissecting forceps complicated by colo-vesical fistula 10 years after hysterectomy in a 50-year-old lady with a 7-month history of passage of urine per rectum. The foreign bodies were removed as well as an associated bladder calculus. The fistulae were repaired and recovery was uneventful.