VESICAL GOSSYPIBOMA MIMICKING CALCULUS: A REPORT OF TWO CASES

Retained surgical sponges (gossypiboma) are probably under-reported because of medico-legal implications. We report two cases of urinary bladder gossypiboma. The patients presented with persistent lower urinary tract symptoms following open prostatectomy. Ultrasonography and plain abdominal X-ray revealed calcified intra-vesical masses that were removed by open suprapubic cystotomy. Small gauze swabs should never be used during open prostatectomy. Gossypiboma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients with persistent bladder symptoms and intravesical calcification following open prostatectomy.