Gossypiboma: an asymptomatic presentation ten years post gynecologic surgery

Abstract

Background: Gossypiboma is a foreign object left in the cavity after surgery causing a fibrinous reaction. We report a case of asymptomatic abdominal gossypiboma missed for ten years after an abdominal myomectomy at an unaffiliated facility. Case presentation: A 57-year-old postmenopausal woman presented to our clinic for a second opinion regarding a palpable mid- abdominal mass. A computed tomography scan revealed an abdominal mass with an unidentifiable retained foreign object. Patient underwent exploratory laparotomy with mass resection which was noted to be a laparotomy pad. Her postoperative course was uncomplicated and was subsequently discharged. Conclusion: Gossypiboma cases have been reported previously, however, they are uncommonly encountered in gynecological surgeries. Therefore, an abdominal mass in patients who have undergone prior laparotomy may be undetected for extended periods of time.