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Gossypiboma—“A Surgeon’s Legacy”

Report of a Case and Review of the Literature

  • Case Report
  • Published:
Diseases of the Colon & Rectum

Abstract

Gossypiboma (from Latin gossipium cotton and Kiswahili boma place of concealment) or retained surgical sponge is a ubiquitous medical error that is avoidable. It can cause serious morbidity and possibly even mortality. Because it is not anticipated, it is frequently misdiagnosed, and often-unnecessary radical surgical procedures are performed. It should be considered in the differential diagnosis of any postoperative case with unresolved or unusual problems.

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Rajagopal, A., Martin, J. Gossypiboma—“A Surgeon’s Legacy”. Dis Colon Rectum 45, 119–120 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10350-004-6124-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10350-004-6124-1

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