Post‐Cesarean Gossypiboma With Intestinal Complications: A Case Report

ABSTRACT Gossypiboma , defined as the retention of surgical textile material following an operative procedure, is a rare but preventable complication. It is most often reported after abdominal and pelvic surgeries. Due to variable clinical presentation and delayed onset of symptoms, diagnosis is often challenging and may mimic intra‐abdominal tumors or abscesses. We report the case of a 27‐year‐old woman presenting with continuous lower abdominal pain for 4 months after cesarean section at a peripheral healthcare facility. Radiological imaging suggested the presence of a foreign body. An exploratory laparotomy confirmed a retained surgical mop causing transmural sloughing of the intestinal wall. The foreign body was successfully removed, and the patient had an uneventful recovery. This case highlights the diagnostic challenges associated with gossypiboma, particularly in delayed presentations, and emphasizes the importance of strict adherence to surgical safety protocols, increased awareness among clinicians, and consistent implementation of standardized counting systems to prevent this avoidable complication. Categories: General Surgery, Radiology, Anatomy.