Recurrent gossypiboma in the thigh

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Surgical Pathology

Background:

• Gossypiboma, a rare iatrogenic mass from retained surgical sponges, can occur after musculoskeletal procedures.
• It often presents as an unusual diagnostic challenge, potentially confusing unsuspecting surgeons.

Observation:

• This case report details a recurrent gossypiboma in the thigh, years after its initial surgical evacuation.
• The patient experienced symptom resolution between the two events, adding to the diagnostic complexity.

Findings:

• The recurrent mass mimicked a soft tissue sarcoma, underscoring the importance of considering non-neoplastic causes for soft tissue masses.
• A definitive biopsy is crucial for accurate diagnosis, especially in patients with a history of surgery in the affected area.

Implications:

• In cases of recurrent soft tissue masses with a history of prior surgery, conservative resection may be more prudent than radical resection.
• This approach is recommended in the absence of a definitive tumor diagnosis to avoid unnecessary aggressive treatment.