Presentation
Abdominal distension 2 weeks after urological surgery.
Patient Data
Linear artifact in the right flank with a mass like abnormality around it containing foci of gas. The linear artifact is typical of that purposely put into surgical gauze/packs.
Left ureteric stent
Dilated gas filled proximal small bowel in keeping with obstruction.
Case Discussion
Thankfully uncommon a gossypiboma describes when a foreign object, usually of fabric/textile origin, in left within the body following a surgical procedure. The name is derived from the gossypium(Latin for cotton) and oma (Latin for a tumor or growth).
It is typically due to a swab or surgical pack being left behind - the latter in this case.
Frequently a collection develops around the foreign body. In addition in this case a small bowel obstruction occurred.
Theater do 'swab count' at the end of procedures, but as this case demonstrates it is not always fullproof.
This case was proven at surgery.
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