Gossybipoma, an Overlooked Cause of Bowel Obstruction: A Case Report and Literature Review

Gossypiboma or Retained Surgical Sponge (RSS) is not an ordinarily encountered occurrence. It is most often reported less for fear of its medico-legal implications and possible unfavorable exposure. Here we report the first ever published case in Ethiopia of a transmural migration of a RSS causing small intestinal obstruction. The 38 year old patient presented with signs and symptoms of intestinal obstruction nine months following a Caesarian Section. Confirmation of a RSS as the cause of the obstruction was made only at surgery. Right hemi- colectomy with ileotransverse anastomosis was done as the distal ileum containing the RSS was gangrenous. The patient had an uneventful stay in the hospital and was discharged in a stable condition.

Keywords
Gossypiboma; retained surgical sponge; transmural migration; intestinal obstruction