Gossypiboma--"a surgeon's legacy": report of a case and review of the literature.

Gossypiboma (from Latin gossipium cotton and Kiswahili boma place of concealment) or retained surgical sponge is a ubiquitous medical error that is avoidable. It can cause serious morbidity and possibly even mortality. Because it is not anticipated, it is frequently misdiagnosed, and often-unnecessary radical surgical procedures are performed. It should be considered in the differential diagnosis of any postoperative case with unresolved or unusual problems.