Gossypiboma: A case of retained intra-luminal surgical sponge leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment in a Nigerian patient

Abstract

Gossypiboma, a term used to describe a retained foreign body mass of cotton (sponge, abdominal mop or gauze) within the body after a surgical procedure, is an uncommon but serious surgical complication. It can manifest with various clinical presentations and often leads to delayed diagnosis and significant morbidity. This report highlights the need for a repeat exploration at the end of open abdominal surgeries as routine. The case presented is that of a young female who underwent open myomectomy in an outreach setting, and subsequently developed symptoms of an acute abdomen due to a retained abdominal mop seen at surgery. The abdominal mop seen at laparotomy had migrated transmurally and became trapped within the ileum and ileocecal junction. After removal of the intra-luminal abdominal mop and abdominal closure, she had post-operative malnutrition and anaemia that were corrected as she regained full recovery. The incidence of gossypiboma is believed to be underestimated in developing countries, and surgical sponges are the most frequently retained foreign bodies. Accurate estimates of the incidence are challenging due to socio-cultural impediments and fear of litigation. Prompt recognition and prevention of gossypiboma are crucial to avoid associated complications and improve patient outcomes.