Surgical tool entrapment in a young patient with recurrent lumbar spinal stenosis: a case report

Lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) is a condition causing leg and back pain, especially in older adults. This case report discusses a rare instance of a surgical tool being left inside a young patient's spine during a surgery to treat LSS. The patient initially had back pain relieved by spinal fusion surgery. However, the pain returned and worsened over time. Further imaging revealed a retained surgical instrument, which required additional surgeries to remove. This case highlights the importance of being aware of potential complications like surgical tool entrapment and the need for careful follow-up to identify and address any resulting neurological issues promptly.

• 1
  Surgical tool entrapment can occur during spinal fusion procedures, even though it is rare.
• 2
  Retained surgical objects can cause worsening neurological symptoms, such as back pain and urinary problems, that may appear either soon after the initial surgery or develop later.
• 3
  Removal of the entrapped object can resolve the patient's symptoms, but multiple surgeries might be required to locate and extract the foreign body.