Computed tomography findings of gossypiboma.
Gossypiboma is composed of non-absorbable surgical material with a cotton matrix. Gossypiboma is usually under-reported and is a severe medicolegal issue. Thus, we describe the computed tomography (CT) findings of gossypiboma in our institution. From January 2003 to June 2006, gossypibomas diagnosed in our institution and their data regarding sex, age, previous operation, location, the interval between the operation and the diagnosis of gossypiboma, clinical presentation, indication of CT, CT findings and further management were collected. There were 6 cases of gossypiboma, 4 men and 2 women. Three of our cases had previous chest surgery and the other 3 cases had previous abdominal surgery. The locations of 3 (50%) cases were in the left anterior subphrenic space. The mean interval between original operation and diagnosis was 24.6 +/- 33.4 months (range, 17 days to 8 years). With regard to CT findings, 3 (50%) cases had an isodense mass and 3 (50%) had a typical mass containing curvilinear opaque structures. The mean size of the gossypibomas was 62 x 62 x 67 mm. Because gossypiboma is due solely to human factors and is a severe medicolegal issue, continuous education should be considered.
Cheng
Tzu-Chieh
TC
Department of Radiology, Cathay General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, R O C.
Chou
Andy Shau-Bin
AS
Jeng
Chin-Ming
CM
Chang
Pau-Yuan
PY
Lee
Chau-Chin
CC
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005547:Foreign Bodies / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery; D005549:Foreign-Body Reaction / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015503:Surgical Sponges; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed