Gossypiboma: A case of retained intra-luminal surgical sponge leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment in a Nigerian patient.

Gossypiboma, a term used to describe a retained foreign body mass of cotton (sponge, abdominal mop or gauze) within the body after a surgical procedure, is an uncommon but serious surgical complication. It can manifest with various clinical presentations and often leads to delayed diagnosis and significant morbidity. This report highlights the need for a repeat exploration at the end of open abdominal surgeries as routine.