Gossypiboma in Osteoarticular Surgery. A Report of 5 Cases

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Résumé

Gossypiboma is rare in osteoarticular surgery. It is a post operative
diagnosis that is often indicated by suppuration. Five patients,
mean age 45.4 years, presented with forgotten surgical sponge in
the surgical site at the level of the iliac crest (2 patients), the hip (1
patient), the thigh (1 patient) and the knee (1 patient). A persistent
discharging sinus was present in all patients. The diagnosis of this
condition occurred following surgical exploration within a mean
period of 49.2 days.
The prevalence of this condition is difficult to establish with
available literature. The pre-operative diagnosis is not easy. The
results of CT scan are not specific. Characteristic features can
however be seen on MRI. The diagnosis is confirmed at reoperation.
Many medico legal repercussions could occur with
stigmatisation of institution or responsible surgeon following a
gossypiboma.
The persistence of post-operative suppuration should suggest
the diagnosis including gossypiboma.

Mots-clés

gossypiboma, osteo-articular surgery, infection