Gossypiboma and surgeon- current medicolegal aspect - a review

Area of Science:

• Medical Malpractice
• Surgical Complications
• Patient Safety

Background:

• Gossypiboma (textiloma) is a rare but preventable surgical complication.
• It involves the accidental retention of surgical materials like gauze or towels within the body.
• This complication can lead to significant patient morbidity and medicolegal issues.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report two cases of gossypiboma.
• To review the medicolegal aspects of gossypiboma concerning surgeons.
• To emphasize the importance of vigilance in postoperative care.

Main Methods:

• Case report of two patients diagnosed with gossypiboma.
• Literature review focusing on the medicolegal ramifications of retained surgical items.
• Analysis of legal doctrines such as res ipsa loquitur in relation to surgical negligence.

Main Results:

• Gossypiboma can present with postoperative pain, infection, or a palpable mass.
• The presence of gossypiboma strongly suggests surgeon negligence under the doctrine of res ipsa loquitur.
• This complication carries severe medicolegal consequences for surgeons and adverse outcomes for patients.

Conclusions:

• Gossypiboma is an avoidable surgical error with profound medicolegal implications.
• Surgeons must be aware of gossypiboma to prevent patient harm and legal repercussions.
• Effective patient monitoring and surgical counts are essential to prevent retained surgical items.