Gossypiboma: when it is what we think it cannot be

Gossypiboma discovered 24 years after prostate surgery, a forgotten but never forgiven complication

“…in 1884, the term gossypiboma has been used to describe an iatrogenic mass caused by a surgical gauze or sponge accidentally left behind in a previous surgery [ 3 ]. Its incidence is uncertain, mainly due to staff fear of retaliation against them, so it is presumably underreported; however, it is believed to occur in 1 in 5500–10 000 surgeries [ 3 , 4 ].…”

“…However, this unfortunate event can occur in any surgery, including cholecystectomy, cesarean section or hysterectomy [ 3 , 5 ]. In addition, several risk factors have been identified that increase the risk of this complication, such as open surgery, emergency surgery, unplanned change of operating room staff and a high body mass index [ 4 ]. In our case, the surgery was a prostatectomy performed 24 years ago.…”

“…Clinical presentation is highly variable [ 3 , 4 ]. Patients may present within days or even years; most will remain asymptomatic for a long time [ 5 , 6 ].…”

“…It can result in severe morbidity and even mortality. As it is never foreseen, it is often misdiagnosed and not reported, yet when it does happen, the patient and the surgeon will never forget it [ 3 , 4 ].…”