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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 9, 2026

The Polyvinyl Alcohol Sponge Model Implantation
06:23

The Polyvinyl Alcohol Sponge Model Implantation

Published on: April 18, 2012

Gossypiboma--retained surgical sponge.

Hung-Shun Sun1, Sung-Lang Chen, Chia-Cheng Kuo

  • 1Division of Urology, Chung-Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan, ROC.

Journal of the Chinese Medical Association : JCMA
|December 8, 2007
PubMed
Summary

A rare surgical error, a retained surgical sponge (gossypiboma), caused acute urinary retention in a 92-year-old woman 18 years after hysterectomy. The gossypiboma was successfully removed via laparotomy.

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Area of Science:

  • Medical Error
  • Surgical Complications
  • Gastrointestinal Surgery

Background:

  • Intra-abdominal retained surgical sponges, or gossypibomas, are infrequent yet significant surgical errors.
  • These retained foreign objects can lead to delayed complications, including infection, pain, and bowel obstruction.

Observation:

  • A 92-year-old female presented with acute urinary retention.
  • She had a history of vaginal hysterectomy 18 years prior.
  • Abdominal computed tomography revealed a suspected retained surgical sponge in the pelvic cavity.

Findings:

  • The retained surgical sponge (gossypiboma) was surgically excised via laparotomy.
  • The patient's final diagnosis was gossypiboma.

Implications:

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Published on: March 25, 2020

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Last Updated: Jul 9, 2026

The Polyvinyl Alcohol Sponge Model Implantation
06:23

The Polyvinyl Alcohol Sponge Model Implantation

Published on: April 18, 2012

Assessment of Acute Wound Healing using the Dorsal Subcutaneous Polyvinyl Alcohol Sponge Implantation and Excisional Tail Skin Wound Models.
09:06

Assessment of Acute Wound Healing using the Dorsal Subcutaneous Polyvinyl Alcohol Sponge Implantation and Excisional Tail Skin Wound Models.

Published on: March 25, 2020

  • This case highlights the importance of vigilance for rare surgical complications, even years after the initial procedure.
  • Prompt diagnosis and surgical intervention are crucial for managing gossypibomas.
  • Awareness of gossypiboma as a potential cause of delayed urinary retention is important for clinicians.