"Surgical Material" noted in findings of a recent CT Scan 2 1/2 years after partial nephrectomy

Have not had this on a scan, but I have the same symptoms that you do (1. 5 years post surgery from a partial OPEN nephrectomy).  My urologist-oncologist said not to worry, it could be a variety of things, but they are confident it is not recurrence.  The way one doctor explained it is that when they close up the wound, there is some material left over.  Would definitely get a copy of the scans/report and send it to your urologist/surgeon's office.

hardo718 said:

Surgical material?

Did you get any kind of clarification as to the specifics of that "material"?  That could have many different meanings, anything from a gauze pad to mesh to clips used to reattach the kidney, etc.

I too had a partial of my left kidney via robot and the only thing left in me is a couple of plastic clips.  I got clarification from my surgeon that he did not use mesh or things of that nature.  I do have symptoms of discomfort occasionally but I'm told it's of no concern, so I try not to worry about it.  I'm told it could be scar tissue or something like that.

Donna~

Surgical material? Sounds suspicious. Keep us posted!

Hugs

Jojo

todd121 said:

Hopefully it's nothing

I sure hope it was only stuff they planned to leave behind! Have you had a chance to ask your doctor?

Make sure he's not missing a text book (surgical reading material), for example...

Seriously, I hope it's routine and nothing.

Best wishes,

Todd

In this case, find out what they mean!!  Is a really fiber-as in a gauze pad, is it a lump of tissue that has herniated beyond it's bounday, a growth, or a piece of metal or 2.

Three weeks post open surgery, and having to separated ribs to access the upper abdomen, I developed pancreatitis.  Nothing like sitting on the john for one end, and trying to throw up in the bathtub, with a 14 inch incision running up and across your belly and side.

Had my hubby take me to ER and they x-rayed to see if there was a blocked bowel.  When the tech asked, "do you have any metal in there?", my response was, "I don't think so."

Lo and behold, the titanium plate to pull my ribs into place had 2 little screws on both ends.  Two of them had backed out and dropped around the urinary bladder.  I pushed my surgeon for a conclusive answer.  He said it wouldn't cause harm, and he consulted a trauma surgeon, who agreed.  I guess that means I was screwed by the surgeon....briefly.  ;}

All metal parts are still there 9 1/2 years later.

Once you get a grasp of what is in there, then deal with the "do I or don't I" questions.

Good luck and hugs,

Donna

No. I have never had that show up on any scan. They definately need to clarify what they mean by "material"!!

foxhd said:

I think

I'd ask the doc to pull up the scan so you can see it. He might say it is just a necessary clip they had to use. Then it turns out to be rusty vice grips.

......used to replace the "pipes"?  haha   (you're so funny)

Donna~