Gossypiboma: a case report and review of the literature

Abstract

Prevention of gossypiboma is far better than cure. Strict adherence to swab counts, and the avoidance of change of staff during procedures is important in decreasing the incidence. Perhaps, with the increasing use of minimally invasive procedures, the incidence of gossypiboma will fall dramatically.

Postoperative complications after thoracic surgery for lung cancer

“…A gossypiboma is a retained foreign object composed of a cotton matrix, such as a surgical sponge, surrounded by a foreign body granuloma [66,67]. The reported incidence of retained foreign bodies following surgery is < 0.01%, of which gossypibomas make up to 80% of cases [66].…”

Post-laparotomy haemoptysis due to broncho-abdominal fistula caused by retained abdominal surgical swab

“…2 The quoted incidence is approximately 1 in 3000-5000 surgical procedures. 3 Medico-legal concerns, however, may lead to significant under-reporting and make this figure uncertain. Most swabs (80%) are found in the abdomen, and symptoms may not appear for months or even years following surgery.…”

Unexpected autoptic finding in a sudden death: Gossypiboma

“…Gossypiboma is an uncommon, serious, often underreported postoperative complication in surgery with severe medico-legal repercussions [2]. Clinical manifestations can be various and protean; sometimes, it may go unrecognized [1,2].…”

“…Clinical manifestations can be various and protean; sometimes, it may go unrecognized [1,2]. Migration of retained surgical sponge is a very unusual sequelae, with most of the cases being reported after intra-abdominal surgery [3].…”