Gossypiboma penetrating into the small intestine similar to Meckel's diverticulum: a report and literature review

Foreign body granuloma due to retained surgical sponge (gossypiboma) with penetration into the small intestine is very rare. Cases of gossypiboma in the abdominal cavity have sometimes been reported, yet the correct incidence has not been determined, only estimated to occur in one of every 1,000 to 1,500 intra-abdominal operations. Acute abdomen may be observed in some cases, requiring treatment. We herein introduce the case of a 70-year-old woman with gossypiboma penetrating into the small intestine presented with anemia and hematochezia. She had a history of emergency laparotomy for ectopic pregnancy several decades ago. A dynamic contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed a hypovascular mass containing air bubbles that continued to the small intestine approximately 50 mm in size in the right lower abdomen. In addition to describing the presentation and outcome of our patient, we review the image findings of gossypiboma.