Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 13, 2026

Posterior Approach for Debridement of the Psoas Abscess
06:02

Posterior Approach for Debridement of the Psoas Abscess

Published on: March 2, 2020

A retained surgical sponge (gossypiboma) mimicking a paraspinal abscess

M Is1, A Karatas, M Akgul

  • 1Department of Neurosurgery, Duzce University, School of Medicine, Duzce, Turkey. merihis@yahoo.com

British Journal of Neurosurgery
|July 7, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Gossypiboma, a retained surgical sponge, is a rare complication. This case highlights a textiloma discovered 3 years after lumbar surgery, emphasizing diagnostic considerations.

Area of Science:

  • Medical imaging
  • Surgical pathology
  • Iatrogenic complications

Background:

  • Gossypiboma (textiloma) is a rare iatrogenic mass resulting from retained surgical gauze.
  • Intraspinal or paraspinal gossypiboma is exceptionally uncommon.
  • This case addresses a delayed presentation of paraspinal gossypiboma.

Observation:

  • A patient presented with a mass between paraspinal muscles.
  • The mass was identified 3 years post-lumbar surgery.
  • Radiological and pathological features were analyzed.

Findings:

  • The mass was confirmed as a retained surgical sponge (gossypiboma).
  • Delayed diagnosis of paraspinal gossypiboma was established.
  • Differential diagnosis for paraspinal masses was discussed.

Implications:

  • Highlights the importance of considering gossypiboma in paraspinal masses, even years after surgery.
  • Underscores the need for vigilance in surgical item counts.
  • Informs radiological and pathological diagnostic strategies for rare iatrogenic complications.

More Related Videos

Diagnosis and Surgical Treatment of Human Brucellar Spondylodiscitis06:23

Diagnosis and Surgical Treatment of Human Brucellar Spondylodiscitis

Published on: May 23, 2021

Related Concept Videos

Brain Abscess l: Introduction01:26

Brain Abscess l: Introduction

A brain abscess is a focal, intracerebral infection characterized by a localized collection of pus within the brain parenchyma, resulting from microbial invasion and the body’s inflammatory response. It progresses through stages: early and late cerebritis, followed by early and late capsule formation, reflecting tissue destruction, immune response, and eventual encapsulation.Etiology and PathogenesisCausative organisms vary with source and host factors, often involving polymicrobial infections,...
Appendicitis01:19

Appendicitis

Appendicitis is an acute inflammatory condition of the vermiform appendix, most commonly caused by obstruction of its lumen. The appendix is a narrow, blind-ended pouch that extends from the cecum, making it particularly prone to obstruction. Causes include fecaliths, lymphoid hyperplasia (often after viral infections), parasites, tumors, or foreign bodies. This obstruction initiates a cascade of pathological changes.Luminal Obstruction and Early InflammationAfter obstruction, normal mucosal...