The Case of the Vanishing Vessel Loop: Unrecognized Removal Via Laparoscopic Suction Device

Although the incidence rate of retained surgical items (RSIs) is low, it remains an important cause of patient injury and can lead to harm, death and waste of time and resources when looking for the missing item. Perioperative counting of equipment is a common method to identify missing surgical items. We present a rare case report of a missing vessel loop that was suctioned by a suction irrigator device. The diagnosis of a RSIs is extremely important, special attention should be paid when suctioning body liquids, with small surgical items nearby to prevent incidences of missing items after the surgery.