Intraovarian oxidized cellulose (Surgicel) mimicking acute ovarian pathology after recent pelvic surgery

Abstract Oxidized regenerated cellulose (Ethicon Surgicel) is often used during surgery to achieve hemostasis. The appearance of Surgicel on postoperative computed tomography (CT) may be mistaken for abscess. Meanwhile, the literature regarding its ultrasound appearance remains scant. We report the CT and sonographic appearances of Surgicel in the right ovary of a 21-year-old woman presenting to the emergency department with pelvic pain 7 days after ovarian cystectomy. The patient was discharged home with only supportive measures, and follow-up ultrasound obtained 26 days later demonstrated resolution of the sonographic abnormality. This case stresses the importance of familiarity with common imaging appearances of topical hemostatic agents and the need to correlate radiologic findings with the patient's clinical condition and prior operative reports to identify patients suitable for conservative management.