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Suture granulomas simulating tumors

A preventable postgastrectomy complication

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Abstract

Suture granulomas can occur after gastric surgery with nonabsorbable suture material. They are usually an asymptomatic, incidental finding on post-surgical x-ray studies, but have to be recognized because their radiological appearance may mimic gastric neoplasms and therefore may lead to unnecessary reoperations. Four cases of suture granulomas are presented, their diagnositc criteria outlined, and a plea is made for the use of a new completely absorbable suture material which could eliminate the occurrence of suture granulomas as well as the other known complications related to nonabsorbable sutures, such as suture-line ulcers, abscesses, and adhesions.

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Gueller, R., Shapiro, H.A., Nelson, J.A. et al. Suture granulomas simulating tumors. Digest Dis Sci 21, 223–228 (1976). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01095894

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