Incidental gossypiboma on contrast enema study

This is a case report of a 50-year-old woman with HIV/HCV coinfection who was diagnosed with an HPV-related well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva. After undergoing modified radical vulvectomy and bilateral inguinofemoral lymphadenectomy, the patient developed a rectovaginal fistula and a diverting colostomy was placed. During a postoperative contrast enema study, a curvilinear hyperdense stripe was noted, representing the radiodense marker thread of a retained surgical sponge. This case report highlights the importance of awareness of this retained surgical item and its associated possible complications, as well as the importance of imaging modalities for diagnosis.