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Neurosurgical gossypiboma radiologically mimicking a lumbar abscess
H Selim Karabekir1, Ahmet Yildizhan, Elmas K Atar
1Neurosurgery Department, School of Medicine, Ayfon Kocatepe University, Afyonkarahisar 03100, Turkey. Tel. +90 (272) 2142065. Fax. +90 (272) 2133066. E-mail: hskarabekir@hotmail.com, hskarabekir@aku.edu.tr.
Abstract:
Lumbar discectomy is the most common operative technique at neurosurgery clinics around the world. The complications of lumbar disc operation include infections, dural tear, bleeding, vascular, and intestinal injuries. Infectious complications of lumbar disc surgery are superficial and profound tissue infections, meningitides, and epidural abscess. Although retained surgical sponges (gossypiboma) are well known intraoperative complications in other surgical branches, they have not been widely reported in neurosurgery. In this report, we present a case of retained surgical sponge at the operation site and discuss with the literature.
Insights
Retained surgical sponges, or gossypiboma, are rare but serious complications following lumbar discectomy. This case highlights the importance of vigilance to prevent these intraoperative errors in neurosurgery.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Surgical Complications
- Medical Case Reports
Background:
- Lumbar discectomy is a prevalent neurosurgical procedure worldwide.
- Potential complications include infection, dural tear, bleeding, and organ injury.
- Infectious complications range from superficial infections to epidural abscesses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a rare case of a retained surgical sponge (gossypiboma) after lumbar discectomy.
- To discuss the implications and literature surrounding gossypiboma in neurosurgery.
- To emphasize the importance of preventing retained surgical items.
Main Methods:
- Case presentation of a patient with a retained surgical sponge.
- Literature review of gossypiboma in the context of neurosurgical procedures.
- Discussion of diagnostic and management strategies.
Main Results:
- A case of gossypiboma following lumbar discectomy is described.
- Retained surgical sponges are infrequently reported in neurosurgery compared to other surgical fields.
- Early diagnosis and management are crucial to prevent morbidity.
Conclusions:
- Gossypiboma is a preventable intraoperative complication that can occur in neurosurgery.
- Increased awareness and meticulous surgical technique are essential to minimize the risk.
- Further research and reporting are needed to understand the full scope of this complication in neurosurgery.
