Breast Textiloma: An unending medico-legal issue about a case report

Textiloma is a mass composed of retained surgical textile foreign body. It is a rare iatrogenic complication that can engage the doctor's responsibility. The aim of this manuscript is to report an unusual case of breast Textiloma mimicking a recurrent tumor and to highlight its medico-legal implications.

A 47-year-old lady, without past medical history, was diagnosed with a breast infiltring intraductal carcinoma. She was treated with mastectomy. Four years later, the patient consulted her surgeon for a subcutaneous mass in the operative site. Both medical and radiological investigations concluded to recurrent tumor. Histological examination confirmed the diagnosis of Textiloma.

Retained foreign bodies in the operative site are infrequent but serious iatrogenic complications. Clinical manifestations of Textiloma are variable and non-specific. It should be suspected in any postoperative case with unresolved or unusual problems. It can mimic other conditions such as tumor. Textiloma is a frequently injurious situation that can lead to medico-legal implications. It is considered to be a sample of medical negligence that involves the surgeon responsibility.

Textiloma is a preventable condition and it can be avoidable by maintaining standard recommendations.