Retained surgical sponge after laparotomy. Unusual presentation.

Erosion of a retained surgical sponge into the intestine is an unusual occurrence and may make its appearance months or years later. The demonstration of a distended bowel by the barium-impregnated mass with multiple polypoidal filling defects in a patient who has undergone previous laparotomy should lead the physician to suspect a retained surgical sponge. Surgical intervention is rewarding.