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Inside Collection (Textbook): Images of Memorable Cases: 50 Years at the Bedside
Abdominal radiographs of an elderly woman who, in 1954, underwent a barium enema examination because of recurrent abdominal pain. Scattered throughout the abdomen (left image), particularly in the right subdiaphragmatic area (right image), were numerous rounded, calcific densities with radiolucent centers (arrows).
Also known as oil granuloma, oleoma, oleogranuloma, paraffinoma, vaselinoma of the peritoneum, and “soap bubble syndrome.” This patient said that during a cholecystectomy in 1934, the surgeon had poured mineral oil into her peritoneal cavity to prevent adhesions, a practice that began at the turn of the 20th century. The other lipid agents used for this purpose included olive oil, Vaseline, animal fat, and paraffin. With time, however, it became obvious that these substances acted as irritants rather than lubricants. So by the early 1940s or thereabouts, surgeons abandoned this procedure forever.
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This work is licensed by Herbert L. Fred, MD and Hendrik A. van Dijk under a Creative Commons Attribution License (CC-BY 2.0), and is an Open Educational Resource.
Last edited by Frederick Moody on Dec 3, 2008 10:33 pm -0600.
