Successful retrieval of a small rivet from a grasping forceps during laparoscopic myomectomy: A case report

Abstract

Laparoscopic surgery is increasing in popularity due to its minimal invasiveness; however, procedure-specific complications are inevitable. We report a case in which a rivet from the hinge of a grasping forceps was successfully retrieved, although initially lost in the abdominal cavity during laparoscopic myomectomy (LM). The patient was a 41-year-old nulliparous woman with a large myoma located on the uterine fundus. The size of the myoma reached 20 cm in diameter. After 5 courses of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist therapy, she was scheduled for LM. During the LM, a rivet unexpectedly dropped into the abdominal cavity. Abdominal radiographs were taken immediately, and we began to laparoscopically search for the rivet, primarily in radio-opaque areas. After 30 minutes of searching, a 2-mm rivet was found and retrieved. Complications are bound to occur during laparoscopy; however, not only preventive maintenance but also appropriate strategies to deal with this type of complication are necessary.