Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 11, 2026

Acupoint Catgut Embedding for Treatment of Chronic Pelvic Pain Due to the Sequelae of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
Published on: May 3, 2024
A retained surgical sponge presenting as chronic pelvic pain
Lucybeth Nieves1, Peter F Schnatz, Marine Sahakyan
1Department of ObGyn, Hartford Hospital, Hartford, CT, USA.
Background:
Gossypiboma, the term for a retained sponge, is an underestimated occurrence related to gynecologic surgery. The postoperative presentation can be acute or subacute with symptoms that include pelvic pain.
Case:
A 39-year-old G7P3043 female presented with chronic pelvic pain. Her only past surgeries were 16 and 21 years prior. After failing to respond to conservative options, she was taken to the operating room for a hysterectomy and possible salpingoophorectomy. During the surgery, a retained sponge was found and removed. Postoperatively, the pain resolved completely.
Conclusion:
Although gossypiboma is an uncommon cause of chronic pelvic pain, patients can present years later with minimal complications other than discomfort. Accurate sponge and instrument counts, along with radiologic evaluation when a discrepancy is found, can be helpful. Newer technologies are also being developed to help avoid this complication.
Related Concept Videos
Appendicitis
Appendicitis-I: Introduction
Etiology: Appendicitis can arise from various causes, primarily rooted in the obstruction of the appendix lumen. Factors contributing to this obstruction include fecal accumulation, lymphoid hyperplasia and, in...
Urinary Tract Calculi VI: Surgical Management
Assessment of the Rectum and Anus
Rectal Inspection
Begin by inspecting the perianal and anal areas for color, texture, rashes,...
Urinary Tract Calculi II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations
