Two years of wait and 7000 miles of journey: the tale of a gossypiboma.

Postoperative retention of a foreign body is an infrequent but well-recognized complication. A case of a retained swab in the abdominal cavity ("gossypiboma") has been reported. In view of the high morbidity (50%) and mortality (10%) that may result from potential complications, as well as underlying medico-legal implications, it is important to ensure that every effort is made to prevent such occurrences. Presentation of gossypiboma may vary and can be caused by pseudotumoral, occlusive, or septic syndrome. Ultrasonography that shows a "hyper-reflective mass with hypoechoic rim along with a strong posterior shadow" and computed tomography that reveals "a whirl-like spongiform pattern in a hypodense mass with a thick peripheral rim" are considered the mainstay of investigations. These findings, along with a high index of suspicion, can help make a preoperative diagnosis.