Gossypiboma in Osteoarticular Surgery. A Report of 5 Cases

Abstract

Gossypiboma is rare in osteoarticular surgery. It is a post operative diagnosis that is often indicated by suppuration. Five patients, mean age 45.4 years, presented with forgotten surgical sponge in the surgical site at the level of the iliac crest (2 patients), the hip (1 patient), the thigh (1 patient) and the knee (1 patient). A persistent discharging sinus was present in all patients. The diagnosis of this condition occurred following surgical exploration within a mean period of 49.2 days. The prevalence of this condition is difficult to establish with available literature. The pre-operative diagnosis is not easy. The results of CT scan are not specific. Characteristic features can however be seen on MRI. The diagnosis is confirmed at reoperation. Many medico legal repercussions could occur with stigmatisation of institution or responsible surgeon following a gossypiboma. The persistence of post-operative suppuration should suggest the diagnosis including gossypiboma.

Keywords: gossypiboma, osteo-articular surgery, infection.

Nigeria Journal of Orthopaedics and Trauma Vol. 7 (2) 2008: pp. 79-81