Gossypiboma: a report of 2 cases.

BACKGROUND

Retention of surgical sponges in body cavities (gossypiboma) is preventable. It is probably under reported, may be for medicolegal reasons. We report 2 cases we have managed, one at a tertiary medical centre, and the other, at a private clinic in Port Harcourt, in order to re-awaken the awareness of its occurrence and make a plea for caution during surgery.

METHODS

The case notes of patients treated surgically over the period between 1995 and 2004 were reviewed for cases of retained surgical sponges.

RESULTS

Two cases were identified over the period 1995 to 2004. One had presented acutely while the second case presented in a sub-acute manner. Both required re-exploration and retained sponges were retrieved.

CONCLUSION

It may not be possible to eradicate the occurrence of retained sponges in the body but it can definitely be minimized, thus saving many patients from the associated agony.