Gossypiboma in the nasal septum after septorhinoplasty: a case study

This report describes a case of gossypiboma in the septum. A 31-year-old woman presented with nasal obstruction and crusting that started 2 years previously after she underwent rhinoseptoplasty in another private clinic. Physical examination disclosed remaining posterior septal deviation to the left side with septal mucosal erosion on the left side. Under general anesthesia, the septal flap was elevated on the left side of the nasal cavity. A gossypiboma was found around the perpendicular ethmoid plate and between the septal flaps. The perpendicular ethmoid plate was resected and the gossypiboma was removed under endoscopy. Because of severe adhesion between the gossypiboma and the septal mucosa, removal of the gossypiboma resulted in a defect on the left mucoperichondrial flap. Right inferior turbinate mucosa was harvested and grafted on the mucosal defect of the left side. Five months after the operation, the nasal cavity showed a straight septum with a well-healed mucosa without any nasal symptoms. This case is a reminder of the fundamental importance of absolute care at every step of rhinologic surgery.