A gossypiboma masquerading as a mesenteric cyst

Gossypiboma refers to foreign bodies left inside the body during surgery, such as sponges and gauze. These foreign bodies represent a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. A 57-year-old female presented to us with right upper abdominal pain. Her past history was non-contributory except for an open cholecystectomy 20 years previously. A physical examination revealed tenderness to palpation on the right of the abdomen, while the remaining examination was normal. An abdominal computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan revealed a well-defined calcified mass of 5 cm that was compatible with a mesenteric cyst. During surgery, the mass was found to be adherent to the mesocolon and to have invaded the colon wall. A right hemicolectomy and ileotransverse anastomosis was performed. The pathological mass was considered to be a gossypiboma that had been left behind during the earlier cholecystectomy. The body's reaction to the foreign body was seen to extend beyond the lamina propria and muscularis propria. Gossypiboma is an undesired and life-threatening but preventable surgical complication. This condition may present with non-specific findings and a clinical scenario that mimics various disorders, even after many years. A diagnosis of gossypiboma should be kept in mind for patients with a history of previous operations and undergoing surgery due to the suspicion of a mesenteric cyst.