Related Experiment Videos
Intraluminal migration of surgical sponge: gossypiboma
Kundan K Patil1, Shaifali K Patil, Kedar P Gorad
1Department of Surgery, MGM, Medical College, Kamothe, Navi Mumbai, India.
Abstract:
Surgical mop retained in the abdominal cavity following surgery is a serious but avoidable complication. The condition may manifest either as an exudative inflammatory reaction with formation of abscess, or aseptically with a fibrotic reaction developing into a mass. Intraluminal migration is relatively rare. We report the case of a 23 year old woman who presented after a previous caesarean section with intestinal obstruction. Plain abdominal radiograph and computed tomography confirmed the presence of gossypiboma. The patient underwent laparatomy and sponge removal. This report discusses the approach to, and manifestations of, migratory surgical gossypiboma.
Insights
Retained surgical sponges, or gossypiboma, can cause serious abdominal complications like abscesses or masses. This case highlights rare intraluminal migration following a caesarean section, emphasizing diagnostic and management approaches.
Area of Science:
- Surgical complications
- Gastrointestinal surgery
- Medical imaging
Background:
- Retained surgical sponges (gossypiboma) are a preventable surgical complication.
- Manifestations include inflammatory (abscess) or fibrotic (mass) reactions.
- Intraluminal migration of surgical sponges is a rare occurrence.
Observation:
- A 23-year-old woman presented with intestinal obstruction post-caesarean section.
- Radiography and CT scans confirmed the presence of a gossypiboma.
- The patient underwent exploratory laparotomy for sponge removal.
Findings:
- Gossypiboma can migrate into the gastrointestinal tract, causing obstruction.
- Multimodality imaging is crucial for diagnosing migratory gossypiboma.
- Surgical intervention is necessary for removal.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of surgical counts and instrument checks to prevent retained foreign objects.
- Underscores the need for high clinical suspicion in patients with prior abdominal surgery presenting with obstructive symptoms.
- Informs surgical practice regarding the diagnosis and management of rare gossypiboma migration.