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Gossypiboma: a case report and review of the literature

F Kiernan1, M Joyce, C K Byrnes

  • 1Division of Minimally Invasive Surgery, Department of General and Vascular Surgery, Adelaide and Meath Hospital, Tallaght, Dublin 24, Ireland. fionamaireadkiernan@yahoo.co.uk

Irish Journal of Medical Science
|September 30, 2008
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

A retained surgical swab, or gossypiboma, is a preventable complication. This case highlights a delayed diagnosis of a retained swab (gossypiboma) years after gynecological surgery, emphasizing the need for strict surgical counts.

Area of Science:

  • Surgical safety and patient outcomes.
  • Medical error and adverse event reporting.

Background:

  • Post-operative complications can arise from human error during surgery.
  • Retained surgical items, such as swabs (gossypiboma), are underreported complications.

Observation:

  • A 67-year-old woman presented with unexplained pyrexia, confusion, and collapse 4 years after gynecological surgery.
  • Initial investigations, including CT-guided biopsy, were inconclusive.
  • A retained swab (gossypiboma) was discovered during a subsequent retroperitoneal biopsy.

Findings:

  • Gossypiboma can present years after the initial surgical procedure.
  • Delayed diagnosis of retained surgical swabs can lead to significant patient morbidity.

Implications:

  • Strict adherence to surgical swab counts is crucial for prevention.
  • Minimally invasive surgical techniques may potentially reduce gossypiboma incidence.
  • Improved vigilance and reporting are necessary to address underreported surgical complications.

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