Asymptomatic retained gauge piece (gossypiboma) for 10 years after posterior spinal surgery - A case report

Abstract

A young old male presented with a 2 months history of recurrent disc prolapse 10 years after prior surgery. He was operated for L4-L5 disc prolapse 10 years ago. Fresh MRI showed prolapsed intervertebral disk (PIVD) at L5-S1 level with a spherical mass lesion of 2.5x2x2 cm with well defined margin in the left paraspinal area adjacent to L5 lamina. The patient had symptoms of L5-S1 PIVD but absolutely no local or systemic symptom for the mass. On exploration, a retained gauge piece was found in the left paraspinal area.