Langenbeck's archives of surgery
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Langenbecks Arch Surg · Aug 2006
Retained surgical sponge (gossypiboma) after intraabdominal or retroperitoneal surgery: 14 cases treated at a single center.
The objective of this study was to present the etiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management for 14 cases of gossypiboma [retained surgical sponge (RSS)] treated at a single center and to emphasize the importance of this potential complication. ⋯ RSS can lead to significant medical and legal problems between the patient and the doctor. RSS may be incorrectly diagnosed preoperatively, which can lead to unnecessary invasive diagnostic procedures and operations. Strict measures must be taken to prevent this complication.