An intra-abdominal gossypiboma.

Inadvertent retention of a foreign body in the abdomen often require another surgery to recover the material. This increases morbidity and mortality. Risk factor that could predispose to a gossypiboma occurring have been reported. A 44-year old female in whom an abdominal sponge was left in the pelvis after a total abdominal hysterectomy is reported. Surgeons must be aware of the risk factors that lead to a gossypiboma and take measures to prevent it.