Abstract: Gossypiboma, a rare surgical complication, is a mass lesion caused by a retained surgical sponge surrounded by a foreign-body reaction incited by it. A male in his mid-40s, with a history of open cholecystectomy performed 1-year ago, presented with complaints of pus discharge from the surgical site. An intra-abdominal collection was initially suspected, and a drain was inserted, 5 months following which he developed complaints of ingested food coming out through the drain. Review imaging was done, which confirmed the diagnosis of a gossypiboma eroding the anterior stomach wall, forming a fistulous communication with the lumen. Emergency laparotomy was performed, and a retained surgical mop was removed from the stomach. A retained foreign body should be included in the differential diagnosis of any postoperative patient presenting with pain, infection, or a palpable mass.
Aparna et al. (Thu,) studied this question.