The Lost Suture Needle: An Algorithm to Standardize Management and Improve Outcomes

The lost laparoscopic suture needle is a common yet infrequently discussed topic, having occurred to over 60% of minimally invasive general surgeons [1]. Unfortunately there is limited data to guide management. Some have proposed ideas such as using magnetic probes and radiopaque threads in a grid formation to assist localization, but these have not been validated [2]. Using our own experience, we formulated an algorithm for the lost needle, which we are sharing to reduce the stress and operative time experienced by others when faced with this unfortunate situation (table 1).