ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: Surgical sponges retained after laparotomy can cause serious problem if they were not be identified in early state. In these circumstances, abdominal CT yields the accurate diagnostic images. The purpose of this report is to present highly indicative findings permitting correct preoperative diagnosis of the gossypiboma. we experienced three cases in which CT showed the images sufficiently characteristic to suggest the correct preoperative diagnosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated retrospectively the radiological images of gossypiboma confirmed by operation. Three patients were admitted due to palpable masses. Two female patients had mdical histories of cesarean sections and a male patient had been operated due to malignant fibrous histiocytoma, previously. RESULTS: Abdominal CT scan of one case revealed huge ovoid hypodense mass with enhanced peripheral rim. Calcific spots and whirl-like stripes were noted within the lesion. Towel was found in pathologic specimen. CT images of two patients showed well-encapsulated, mixed fluid and soft tissue density mass with several gas bubbles. Surgical sponges were found within abscesses. CONCLUSION: The authors conclude that these characteristic CT findings and careful histories of surgery are very useful for correct pre-operative diagnosis and permit the guideline for the optimal plan of the surgical treatment.