Acute Bowel Obstruction Due to Gossypiboma: A Case Report

Dr. Laxman Detha, Dr. Ganpat Singh

Abstract: Gossypiboma is the term used to describe a surgical sponge that has been unintentionally left inside the body after an operation. Although rare, it remains a serious and preventable complication that can significantly increase patient morbidity and mortality, as well as pose substantial medicolegal challenges. Intra-abdominal gossypiboma can migrate into hollow organs such as the ileum, stomach, colon, or bladder without any visible breach in their walls. Preventive measures, including meticulous sponge counts and careful inspection of the surgical field before abdominal closure, are critical to avoid such incidents. This report presents the case of a 38-year-old woman in whom a retained surgical sponge had migrated into the small bowel, leading to acute intestinal obstruction.

Keywords: Gossypiboma, Surgical complications, Intestinal obstruction, Transmural migration, Retained surgical sponge, Patient safety

How to Cite?: Dr. Laxman Detha, Dr. Ganpat Singh, "Acute Bowel Obstruction Due to Gossypiboma: A Case Report", Volume 14 Issue 7, July 2025, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 1007-1008, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR25711202929, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR25711202929