Retention of a Detached Robotic Scissors Tip Cover in the Abdominal Wall: A Case Report

TL;DR

A robotic surgery case report describes a rare complication where a detached scissors tip cover was retained in the abdominal wall and detected via CT scan.

Contribution

Highlights a rare robotic surgery complication and emphasizes the importance of CT for detection and strict protocols to prevent retention.

Findings

Detached robotic scissors tip cover was retained in the abdominal wall post-surgery.

Tip cover was undetectable on plain radiography but visible on postoperative CT scan.

Reoperation successfully retrieved the tip cover with no further complications.

Abstract

Robotic surgery has become increasingly widespread; however, device‐related complications specific to robotic platforms are rarely reported. We describe a case of rectal cancer treated with robotic‐assisted abdominoperineal resection using the da Vinci Surgical System. At the end of the procedure, the tip cover of the robotic scissors detached and was inadvertently retained within the abdominal wall. It was invisible on plain radiography but was detected on postoperative computed tomography as a cylindrical structure beneath the rectus abdominis muscle. The patient underwent reoperation to retrieve the tip cover and recovered uneventfully, being discharged without further complications. This case highlights a rare but important complication of robotic surgery—detachment and retention of the tip cover of robotic scissors in the abdominal wall. Because tip covers may not be reliably detected on plain radiography, computed tomography is crucial for their identification. Strict counting protocols and heightened awareness are essential to prevent such events.

Figures