INTRODUCTION: Foreign bodies in the abdominal cavity are extremely rare findings. Their incidence is not known exactly because of under reporting of cases and they go unrecognized at times. CASE REPORT: We are presenting a case of retained surgical sponge removed 9 years after cesarean section. A 30-year-old female presented 9 years after cesarean section with menorrhagia and pain in abdomen. Ultrasonography revealed a pelvic mass and the patient was successfully managed by laparotomy and removal of the sponge. CONCLUSION: Iatrogenic foreign bodies are avoidable complications that need careful observation during surgery. Diagnosis needs high index of suspicion in patients with previous surgery.
INTRODUCTION: Foreign bodies in the abdominal cavity are extremely rare findings. Their incidence is not known exactly because of under reporting of cases and they go unrecognized at times. CASE REPORT: We are presenting a case of retained surgical sponge removed 9 years after cesarean section. A 30-year-old female presented 9 years after cesarean section with menorrhagia and pain in abdomen. Ultrasonography revealed a pelvic mass and the patient was successfully managed by laparotomy and removal of the sponge. CONCLUSION: Iatrogenic foreign bodies are avoidable complications that need careful observation during surgery. Diagnosis needs high index of suspicion in patients with previous surgery.