J Korean Soc Ultrasound Med.  2007 Mar;26(1):21-24.

Gossypiboma in the Abdomen: A Case Report

• Kim DH
• Lim HG
• Byun JN
• Kim DH
• Lim SC

Abstract

Gossypiboma is retained surgical sponge or swab. We experienced a case of gossypiboma resulting from a retained surgical sponge, which had been left in intraperitoneal cavity for 4 years after appendectomy. Abdominal CT scan revealed a non-calcified soft tissue mass with wall enhancement. We thought this lesion was an abscess or hematoma. So we tried to perform aspiration and drainage guided by ultrasonography. Ultrasonography showed illdefined hyperechoic stripe with strong posterior acoustic shadow within the mass, which has hypoechoic fibrous capsule. We could not puncture the lesion with aspiration needle due to its hardness, and the mass was removed by surgery. We report a case of gossypiboma confirmed by surgery, which was suspected by ultrasonographic feature and difficulty in puncture of mass.

Keyword

Abdomen, CT; Abdomen, US; Surgery, complications