CT features and surgical management of gossypiboma: A report of four cases

Abstract

Gossypibomas, which are also referred to as textilomas or retained surgical sponges, represent foreign materials, such as cotton or sponge remnants, that are unintentionally left within a body cavity following surgical procedures. The exact prevalence of gossypibomas is difficult to determine, primarily due to concerns surrounding legal and ethical implications, which contribute to the under-reporting of such cases. These foreign objects can present at various points post-surgery, with symptoms appearing anywhere from the early recovery phase to decades after the procedure. This uncommon complication often mimics the appearance of a tumor or mass, creating diagnostic difficulties and a higher risk for further complications. Diagnosing gossypibomas remains challenging without the aid of imaging, making accurate detection harder to achieve. In this study, we highlight four distinct cases of gossypiboma, each with unique clinical manifestations and locations, confirmed through CT imaging and subsequent surgical intervention.