Transgastric migration of retained intraabdominal surgical sponge: Gossypiboma in the fundus

The retention of a surgical sponge is a rare complication that presents diagnostic challenges and carries the risk of potential complications. Two distinct foreign body reactions, fibrinous, and exudative, can result in the formation of a granuloma (known as gossypiboma) or lead to complications such as abscess formation and migration into the gastrointestinal tract. In this report, we present the case of a 33-year-old woman with a history of splenectomy who presented with symptoms including epigastric pain, vomiting, and episodes of hematemesis. Imaging studies, including computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, revealed a mass consistent with a gossypiboma that had migrated transmurally into the stomach. The diagnosis was subsequently confirmed through gastroscopy, and successful endoscopic removal of the retained surgical sponge was performed.