TY  - BOOK
AU  - Stephen Swetala
AU  -  Geofrey Giiti
AU  -  Patrick S Ngoya
AU  -  Colman Mayomba
AU  -  Happiness Mbena
AU  - Albert Kihunrwa
AU  -  Yahya Magaso
AU  -  Mathias Njau
TI  - Retained Needle during Post Delivery Repairs of Episiotomy and Perineal tears: A Case Series
T2  -  Stephen Swetala et al (2021). Retained Needle during Post Delivery Repairs of Episiotomy and Perineal tears: A Case Series. East African Scholars J Med Surg, 3(12), 248-251
SN  -  2663-185
PY  - 2021///
CY  - Mwanza, Tanzania: 
PB  - East African Scholars Journal of Medicine and Surgery & ,  Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences [CUHAS – Bugando]  
N2  - Abstract:

Introduction: Retained surgical suture needle during repairs of episiotomies or vagina tears is rare. Blind exploration can be demanding and is associated with massive dissection and hemorrhage. The aim is to present three cases encountered at Bugando Medical Centre, Mwanza Tanzania and their management. 

Case Presentation: Three peri-partum cases encountered with retained needles within the same week; one post-episiotomy and two post-perineal tears repair. The first two cases underwent blind exploration of the retained needle without success. Panel discussions by the attending Obstetricians and Trauma Surgeons came up with consensus of exploring the retained needle under x-ray fluoroscopic imaging. All the three cases underwent x-ray fluoroscopic imaging exploration with successful retained needles retrieved without significant dissection or hemorrhage. 

Conclusion: Image guidance using x-ray fluoroscopic imaging is time saving with a higher success rate and minimal complications than blind exploration. Early disclosure of a retained needle during the repair of an episiotomy or a perineal tear is very important in order to avoid retrieval complications and medico-legal implications
ER  -