Background: Retention of surgical sponges in body cavities (gossypiboma) is preventable. It is probably under reported, may be for medicolegal reasons. We report 2 cases we have managed, one at a tertiary medical centre, and the other, at a private clinic in Port Harcourt, in order to re-awaken the awareness of its occurrence and make a plea for caution during surgery.
Methods: The case notes of patients treated surgically over the period between 1995 and 2004 were reviewed for cases of retained surgical sponges.
Results: Two cases were identified over the period 1995 to 2004. One had presented acutely while the second case presented in a sub-acute manner. Both required re-exploration and retained sponges were retrieved.
Conclusion: It may not be possible to eradicate the occurrence of retained sponges in the body but it can definitely be minimized, thus saving many patients from the associated agony.