Hysteroscopic Removal of an Unwanted Remainder in the Uterus after Two Years of Caesarean Section: A Case Report of Gossypiboma

TL;DR

A case report describes the successful hysteroscopic removal of a retained surgical gauze from a woman's uterus two years after a cesarean section.

Contribution

This case highlights the use of hysteroscopy for diagnosing and retrieving a retained surgical item after a cesarean section.

Findings

A gauze was successfully retrieved from the uterine cavity two years after a cesarean section using hysteroscopy.

The patient presented with secondary subfertility and vaginal discharge, leading to the diagnosis of a retained surgical item.

RSIs are rare but preventable complications that can cause significant harm and legal costs.

Abstract

Retained surgical items (RSIs) constitute a rare complication arising after surgical procedures. Their occurrence may be averted through diligent precautionary measures. Perioperative counting of equipment and materials is the most common method of screening for RSIs. Subsequent confirmation of the diagnosis can be achieved through clinical examination and imaging studies.

We report a case of successful hysteroscopic identification and retrieval of gauze inadvertently left within the uterine cavity, after a cesarean section two years back. The patient was later diagnosed with RSIs during routine evaluation for secondary subfertility and vaginal discharge.

Despite the relatively low incidence of RSIs, they represent a significant and preventable source of patient harm, carrying the potential for fatal outcomes and resulting in substantial medical and legal expenditures.

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