Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 19, 2026

A Mouse Model of Intestinal Partial Obstruction
07:33

A Mouse Model of Intestinal Partial Obstruction

Published on: March 5, 2018

23.0K

Gossypiboma as a cause of intestinal obstruction

Huma Sabir Khan1, Awais Amjad Malik1, Shadab Ali1

  • 1Department of Surgery, Postgraduate Trainee, Services Institute of Medical Sciences (SIMS), Lahore.

Journal of the College of Physicians and Surgeons--Pakistan : JCPSP
|December 19, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Retained surgical sponges, known as gossypibomas, are preventable surgical errors. Implementing safety checklists can significantly reduce the incidence of these dangerous foreign bodies in patients.

Area of Science:

  • Surgical Safety
  • Patient Complications

Background:

  • Gossypiboma (retained surgical sponge) is a preventable surgical complication.
  • It can lead to severe patient morbidity, mortality, and medicolegal issues.
  • Presentation varies from early abscesses to late intestinal obstruction or fistula formation.

Observation:

  • A patient presented 8 months post-laparotomy with bowel obstruction.
  • The obstruction was caused by a retained surgical sponge eroding into the rectosigmoid junction.

Findings:

  • Retained surgical sponges can manifest acutely (abscess, sepsis) or chronically (obstruction, fistula).
  • This case highlights a delayed presentation of bowel obstruction due to a gossypiboma.

Implications:

  • The WHO Safety Checklist can standardize protocols to prevent retained surgical foreign bodies.
  • Adherence to safety checklists is crucial in settings lacking advanced tagging systems.

More Related Videos

Postoperative Ileus Murine Model04:26

Postoperative Ileus Murine Model

Published on: July 12, 2024

1.6K

Related Concept Videos

Intestinal Obstruction II: Pathophysiology01:07

Intestinal Obstruction II: Pathophysiology

Intestinal obstruction triggers a series of physiological responses, starting with gas and fluid accumulation in the bowel segment proximal to the obstruction, leading to distension. This distended intestine compresses the diaphragm, hindering lung expansion and potentially leading to reduced respiratory effort, atelectasis, and pneumonia.To overcome the blockage, the gut intensifies contractions, causing colicky abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, which reduces fluid and food intake and...
22
Intestinal Obstruction I: Introduction01:29

Intestinal Obstruction I: Introduction

Intestinal obstruction is a partial or complete blockage of the small or large intestine that disrupts the normal flow of intestinal contents through the lumen. This interruption impairs digestion, absorption, and fluid balance, and may lead to serious complications if not treated promptly.Mechanical ObstructionMechanical obstruction occurs when a physical blockage prevents intestinal contents from passing, arising from within the lumen or the bowel wall, or from external compression.Adhesions,...
17
Pyloric Obstruction01:11

Pyloric Obstruction

Pyloric obstruction, also referred to as gastric outlet obstruction, is a condition characterized by narrowing or blockage at the pylorus—the muscular valve regulating the flow of stomach contents into the duodenum. When this passage becomes impaired, the stomach cannot effectively empty its contents into the small intestine. This disruption leads to a range of gastrointestinal symptoms, including early satiety, bloating, epigastric pain, postprandial nausea, persistent vomiting, and...
19
Appendicitis01:19

Appendicitis

Appendicitis is an acute inflammatory condition of the vermiform appendix, most commonly caused by obstruction of its lumen. The appendix is a narrow, blind-ended pouch that extends from the cecum, making it particularly prone to obstruction. Causes include fecaliths, lymphoid hyperplasia (often after viral infections), parasites, tumors, or foreign bodies. This obstruction initiates a cascade of pathological changes.Luminal Obstruction and Early InflammationAfter obstruction, normal mucosal...
17
Assessment of the Rectum and Anus01:25

Assessment of the Rectum and Anus

Evaluating the rectum and anus plays a crucial role in conducting a thorough physical examination of the gastrointestinal system. Although it may be uncomfortable and often embarrassing for the patient, it holds immense diagnostic value, particularly in detecting gastrointestinal diseases and abnormalities. This guide will explain how to perform this assessment using inspection and palpation methods.
Rectal Inspection
Begin by inspecting the perianal and anal areas for color, texture, rashes,...
2.0K
Barrett Esophagus-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management01:21

Barrett Esophagus-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management

Individuals with Barrett's esophagus are often asymptomatic, but they may experience symptoms commonly associated with GERD, such as heartburn and acid regurgitation. Additional symptoms can include difficulty swallowing, chest pain, unintentional weight loss, blood in the stool (which may appear black, tarry, or bloody), and episodes of vomiting.
To diagnose Barrett's esophagus, healthcare providers often recommend an endoscopy for those showing symptoms of acid reflux. The procedure...
1.7K