Abstract:

Peritoneal loose body (PLB) is often found accidentally during surgery, but has not attracted general attention for a long time due to its characters of small size and no relationship with the original surgical lesion. In recent years, the incidence of PLB has been increasing. With the advancement of imaging technology, the detection rate of PLB has increased, and many large PLB cases with symptoms have been reported. There are three main clinical features of PLB: (1) high mobility; (2) no blood supply; (3) negative tumor markers. The images of PLB vary at different CT levels. According to its maximum central section, PLB can be roughly classified into four types: (1) two density structures; (2) three-layer density structure; (3) multi-layer density structure; (4) hybrid density structure. According to the gross appearances of PLB, it can be divided into three types: (1) general type with diameter < 5.0 cm; (2) giant type with diameter between 5.0 and 10.0 cm; (3) extremely large type with diameter > 10.0 cm. The diagnostic and therapeutic modality of PLB: (1) asymptomatic general type PLB accidentally discovered in physical examination can be left untreated and followed up; (2) PLB accidentally found during surgery should be retrieved; (3) giant or extremely large PLB presented with alimentary or urinary system symptoms should be removed surgically. This paper reviews the research progress in the formation cause, pathology, clinical and imaging manifestations, diagnosis and differential diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of PLB.

Key words: Peritoneal loose body, Diagnosis, Surgery, Review