Intraluminal migration of a gossypiboma, a rare complication of a problem we should never have to face.

Abstract

After surgery, forgetting instruments, gauze, surgical pads, cotton, or other surgical materials is a serious but avoidable complication. Symptoms are broad and will depend on the location of the gossypiboma and the body's reaction against it. Most will manifest either as an exudative inflammatory or fibrotic reaction. Intraluminal migration is relatively rare and, in most cases, will mimic symptoms of abdominal obstruction. We present the case of a healthy 25-year-old male. After an emergency surgery, a whole surgical pad was left inside his abdomen, which eroded its bowel wall and migrated into the lumen. After a thorough evaluation, surgery was decided, and the foreign body was extracted. On follow-up, the patient is doing well.