Unintentionally retained lap sponge mimicking an ovarian cyst two years after Caesarean section in a 37-year old patient: case report of a rare "never event" in Sudan.

Introduction: This case report reports an unusual occurrence of gossypiboma, which refers to the accidental retention of surgical materials like sponges in the peritoneal cavity. The term is derived from "gossypium" (cotton) and "boma" (place of concealment). Its incidence varies with surgical type, posing diagnostic challenges due to nonspecific symptoms and equivocal imaging.