Gossypiboma: To Err is Human – A Case Report

ABSTRACT

Gossypiboma (retained surgical sponge) is one of the identities that can be a disaster not only to the carrier of operating surgeon but also for the hospital as far as the financial burden and the reputation is concerned. The patient may have severe morbidity and in worst of the event can have mortality. The aim of this article is to highlight the fact that the incidence is not as rare as has been reported in different literatures and to discuss its various –clinico-radiological features, predisposing factors, measures to avoid it and how to manage when such a calamity has occurred. This article increases the awareness about the problem thus avoiding unnecessary morbidity/mortality to the patient as well as save the surgeon from malpractice law suits, great psychological trauma and negative publicity.