Gossypiboma persists - A case series & literature review highlighting the clinical spectrum, diagnostic dilemmas, and surgical outcomes from a single tertiary care centre.

Gossypiboma, also known as textiloma, is a rare but serious complication that occurs when surgical sponges or gauze are inadvertently left inside a patient's body during abdominal or pelvic surgeries. This retained foreign material can lead to severe inflammatory reactions and potentially life-threatening complications. The case series presented highlights five patients diagnosed with gossypiboma, each experiencing a range of symptoms including abdominal pain, acute small bowel obstruction, and perforated peritonitis. These patients required surgical intervention to address their conditions. Radiological techniques such as X-rays, ultrasonography, and CT scans played a crucial role in detecting and diagnosing these cases. Gossypiboma is classified as a 'surgery never event,' emphasizing its preventable nature and the importance of stringent surgical protocols. The rarity of reported cases in the literature is likely from a combination of underreporting due to medicolegal concerns and mandatory operating room safety checklists in many countries. Early diagnosis and prompt management are critical factors in improving patient outcomes and reducing morbidity associated with this complication. By sharing these experiences, the report aims to raise awareness among healthcare professionals about the importance of preventing retained surgical items and the need for vigilance in post-operative care and follow-up.