Gossypiboma: A case report

Abstract

This case underscores the need for clinicians to bear the possibil‑ ity of gossypiboma in mind when patients who have had abdominal surgery in the recent past present with unresolving abdominal pain. This 46 year old woman who had an elective hysterectomy done three months earlier presented with unresolving abdominal pain of three months and lower abdominal distension of a day duration. Fol‑ lowing exploratory laparotomy, an 18 cm by 18 cm towel was recov‑ ered from her peritoneal cavity. She subsequently developed fecal fistula which was successfully managed conservatively and was dis‑ charged in good condition on 20th post-operative day. Gossypiboma is a rare but grave complication of abdominal and pelvic surgeries with attendant significant morbidity or even mortal‑ ity. Adequate attention to patient care processes may reduce its oc‑ currence and high index of suspicion is needed for its diagnosis. Keywords: abdominal sponge; gossypiboma; intra‑abdominal.