Gossypiboma is a foreign object, such as a mass of cotton matrix (swab, surgical pack) or a sponge, that is left behind in a body cavity during an operation.  By interference it is iatrogenic.

Methods to avoid retention of swap, including 'swab counts' are routine, but clearly do not always work as this case illustrates.  

Significant additional morbidity may follow this error - as in this case when a repeat laparotomy was required not only to remove the foreign body and abscess that developed around it, but also the small bowel obstruction which resulted from its presence.