A case of intra-abdominal textiloma mimicking a mesenteric tumor

Introduction: A textiloma or gossypiboma is a retained surgical material in the body after an operation. It may be asymptomatic or revealed by complications such as occlusion, perforation, and fistulization.

Case report: We report a case of intraabdominal textiloma mimicking a mesenteric tumor. The patient has a history of open cholecystectomy. She was referred to our department for the discovery on abdominal computed tomography scan (CT-scan) of a mass in the mesentery. A laparotomy was performed observing a textiloma which was resected with part of the small intestine. The evolution was satisfactory for the patient.

Discussion: Intraabdominal textiloma is the most frequently observed foreign body left after a surgical procedure. They can be asymptomatic or discovered incidentally for another cause. We describe two types of immune responses, tansudative and exudative response, depending on the antigenicity of the foreign body. Surgical resection is the gold standard of treatment.

Conclusion: Although they are rare, these foreign bodies can present real complications after an open surgery.