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Intraperitoneal gossypibomas: the need to count sponges.
1Department of Surgery, University Hospital of Antwerp, Belgium.
World Journal of Surgery
|April 29, 2000
Summary
Forgotten surgical sponges, known as gossypibomas, can cause complications like adhesions or infections within the abdomen. Early detection via imaging is crucial for timely surgical removal and patient recovery.
Area of Science:
- Abdominal Surgery
- Radiology
- Pathology
Background:
- Intraperitoneal foreign bodies, including retained surgical sponges (gossypibomas), can lead to significant morbidity.
- These retained items may cause adhesions, encapsulation, exudative responses, or bacterial infections.
- Self-extrusion is a common natural process initiated by the body.
Observation:
- Gossypibomas can present as pseudotumoral, occlusive, or septic syndromes.
- Some cases remain asymptomatic for decades.
- Imaging modalities like ultrasonography and computed tomography (CT) are key for detection.
Findings:
- Ultrasonography reveals gossypibomas as hyperreflective masses with hypoechoic rims and posterior shadowing.
- CT scans show well-defined masses with heterogeneous internal densities.
- Plain radiography is often insufficient for detection.
Implications:
- Prompt diagnosis and surgical intervention are necessary for managing complications associated with retained surgical sponges.
- Understanding the imaging characteristics aids in accurate diagnosis.
- Minimizing retained surgical sponges is critical in surgical practice.