Gossypiboma: What Happens When a Mop is Left in a Thigh for ten Years

INTRODUCTION: Gossypiboma is an iatrogenic lesion, caused by a retained surgical sponge in the operating field. It is an extremely rare event following musculoskeletal procedures and has devastating medicolegal consequences. It is hardly ever reported, and hence, the incidence is difficult to determine. CASE REPORT: We present a case report of a 70-year-old gentleman who presented with a painless swelling in the right thigh for 7 months. He had undergone open femoral nailing 10 years ago. Imaging studies suggested a soft-tissue sarcoma, but the biopsy was not conclusive. Intraoperatively, the mass was excised and found to have a thick fibrous wall with a gauze piece inside. Polarizing microscopy confirmed the diagnosis of gossypiboma. CONCLUSION: Gossypiboma is an infrequent but devastating consequence of a human error. It is often difficult to diagnose and is confused with a soft-tissue sarcoma. Prevention of such untoward incidents by strict adherence to protocols is far better than cure.