Paracardiac gossypiboma (textiloma) in 2 patients.

Gossypiboma, also called textiloma, results when a cotton matrix such as a gauze pad or surgical sponge is left in a body cavity after surgery. The diagnosis of gossypiboma can be challenging. In symptomatic patients, operative removal of the pad or sponge is recommended; however, the decision to operate might be less immediately clear in asymptomatic patients. We report the cases of 2 patients in whom we diagnosed paracardiac gossypiboma. In addition, we briefly review other cases and discuss the treatment of asymptomatic patients.