Abdominal pain due to a lost guidewire: a case report

Cases J. 2009 Aug 12:2:6680. doi: 10.4076/1757-1626-2-6680.

Abstract

A lost guidewire is a hazardous, yet completely preventable, and rare complication associated with central venous catheter insertion. Here, we report a case of a lost guidewire in a patient presented with persistent abdominal pain. The guidewire was retrieved completely during a surgical operation after the diagnosis had been confirmed by radiologic studies. Following some tips during insertion of a central venous catheter will help to prevent this mortal complication or at least, in rapid diagnosis of its loss. Interventional radiologic techniques are now readily used to retrieve a lost guidewire.

Publication types

  • Case Reports