Gossypiboma: Spontaneous trans-urethral migration of a forgotten surgical gauze sponge 5 years post hysterectomy in grand multiparous post-menopausal woman

INTRODUCTION: Gossypiboma denotes a mass of cotton retained in the body following surgery. Migration of gossypiboma from initial site is a rare entity and could pose some diagnostic difficulties. Migration of gauze sponge has been reported to occur in several organs of the body. There have been few reported cases but the true incidence may be much higher due to under reporting for fear of litigation. PRESENTATION OF CASE: We present an unusual case of a 58-year-old grand multiparous woman who had gauze retention for 5 years following a hysterectomy and presented with acute urinary symptoms. The gauze sponge transmigrated from the peritoneal cavity to the bladder and was partially extruded through the external urethral meatus. She had laparotomy for the removal of gauze sponge with good outcome. DISCUSSION: Retained foreign body especially surgical sponges (gossypiboma) infrequently occurs and can be a source of great concern to the surgeon and patient. Foreign bodies inside the body cavities and organs can present with several non-specific clinical features that can make diagnosis difficult. Migration of surgical sponge (gauze, mops) into the urinary bladder is uncommon when compared to other abdominal and pelvic viscus. A gossypiboma in the peritoneal cavity creates a fistulous tract through the thick wall of the urinary bladder from long period of chronic inflammation as seen in the index case where the previous surgery was performed 5 years prior to onset of symptoms. Due to the non-specific presentations of gossypiboma, especially those in the bladder, several investigative modalities need to be employed to help make a prompt diagnosis. Most long-standing cases would require laparotomy due to the dense adhesions that occur around the site of the gossypiboma. Lack of appropriate diagnosis leaves the patient with recurrence of distressful symptoms and the consequent morbidities. CONCLUSION: Transmigration of a gauze sponge over 5 years from the peritoneal cavity into the urinary bladder and through the external urethral meatus following a hysterectomy is a rare occurrence and can present diagnostic difficulties. High index of suspicion, prompt diagnosis and management will help reduce the high morbidity that is associated with the condition as in the case reported.