Endoscopic Removal of a Retained Pelvic Drain Fragment with CO 2 Pneumoperitoneum

Abstract

Retained drains are an infrequent and usually avoidable postsurgical complication. There are few reports in the contemporary literature regarding minimally invasive techniques to remove retained postsurgical drains. We present a novel technique for the removal of a retained deep pelvic Jackson-Pratt drain by means of a fluoroscopically guided transurethral endoscopic technique with minimal CO₂ pneumoperitoneum performed safely through a newly transected urethral stump under local anesthesia. The use of CO₂ pneumoperitoneum in place of saline irrigation is less likely to be associated with any untoward postoperative complications. This novel and effective technique will serve as a useful adjunct to the minimally invasive management of retained pelvic drains in postoperative patients who have undergone cystectomy and/or hysterectomy.