Hemostatic agents and tissue sealants: Potential mimics of abdominal abnormalities

OBJECTIVE. Topical tissue sealants and hemostatic agents, seen on postoperative imaging in a variety of intraabdominal and pelvic locations, have the potential to be mistaken for abdominal abnormalities, especially if the radiologist is not aware of the patient's surgical history. The normal appearance of these agents may mimic abscesses, tumors, enlarged lymph nodes, or retained foreign bodies. Therefore, it is important to be familiar with their typical imaging appearances and to review the surgical records when needed to avoid misdiagnoses. The purpose of this article is to increase the radiologist's familiarity with various types of topical tissue sealants and hemostatic agents used during surgical and percutaneous procedures in the abdomen and pelvis along with their radiologic appearances. CONCLUSION. Various types of hemostatic agents are now commonly used during surgery and percutaneous procedures in the abdomen and pelvis, and it is important to recognize the various appearances of these agents. Although there are suggestive features outlined in this article, the most important factor for the radiologist is to be aware of the patient's history and the possibility that a hemostatic agent may be present. On postoperative imaging, hemostatic agents may mimic abscesses, tumors, enlarged lymph nodes, or retained foreign bodies, and accurate diagnosis can save a patient unnecessary treatment. It is therefore crucial to incorporate knowledge of the patient's surgical history with recognition of the typical imaging appearances of hemostatic agents and other pseudolesions to avoid misdiagnoses.