PERCUTANEOUS RETRIEVAL OF NONVASCULAR FOREIGN-BODIES

Although intravascular foreign bodies are routinely removed with percu taneous extraction, surgical retrieval is performed of most nonvascula r foreign bodies. The authors describe six cases in which percutaneous extraction was performed for removal of nonvascular foreign bodies. T hese foreign bodies included an intraabdominal laparotomy towel, two p elvic drains, an angiographic guide-wire fragment in a pelvic abscess cavity, and a superficially located sewing needle and bullet fragment. Computed tomography or plain radiography was performed to define the safest track for percutaneous removal. Fluoroscopy was performed to di rect foreign body removal; the major challenge of the procedure was pr ecise localization of the foreign body to minimize dissection. Althoug h a surgeon and operating suite were available for backup care if nece ssary, all six foreign bodies were removed successfully without compli cation by the interventional radiologist in the radiology suite. Percu taneous retrieval of nonvascular foreign bodies, while not frequently performed, can in many cases obviate surgical incisions, extensive dis section, and the cost and risk of administration of general anesthesia .