Abstract
Gossypiboma, a term that is used to describe a mass formed by retained foreign body (surgical cotton sponge) post operatively. It is an uncommon postoperative complication but avoidable. It has medico- legal implications, so the actual incidence of these cases could not be reported. A 28-year-old lady presented with acute intestinal obstruction with a history of repeated attacks of colicky abdominal pain three years after cesarean section. A clinical diagnosis of adhesive intestinal obstruction was made. Ultrasound revealed multiple dilated intestinal loops with to and fro movements. CT examination revealed the presence of a suspicious malignant mass lesion at the caecum. Laparotomy revealed intraluminal foreign body (missed towel from previous surgery) causing intestinal obstruction. For any postoperative patient who presents with pain, infection, intestinal obstruction or palpable mass or with unusual symptoms, we must consider retained foreign body (RFB) in our differential diagnosis.