Gossypiboma--"a surgeon's legacy": report of a case and review of the literature.
Gossypiboma (from Latin gossipium cotton and Kiswahili boma place of concealment) or retained surgical sponge is a ubiquitous medical error that is avoidable. It can cause serious morbidity and possibly even mortality. Because it is not anticipated, it is frequently misdiagnosed, and often-unnecessary radical surgical procedures are performed. It should be considered in the differential diagnosis of any postoperative case with unresolved or unusual problems.
Rajagopal
Ambil
A
Department of Surgery, PSG Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Coimbatore, India.
Martin
Joseph
J
D000328:Adult; D002585:Cesarean Section / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D005547:Foreign Bodies / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D019300:Medical Errors / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011859:Radiography; D015503:Surgical Sponges / Q000009:adverse effects*