A person undergone appendisectomy. On post op day 10 he died, postmortem patholist found gossypiboma. It is a case of –
## **Core Concept**
A gossypiboma, also known as a textiloma or retained surgical sponge, is a serious medical complication that occurs when a surgical sponge or gauze is inadvertently left inside a patient's body after surgery. This condition can lead to severe consequences, including infection, abscess formation, and even death. The term "gossypiboma" is derived from the Latin word "gossypium," meaning cotton.
## **Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer, **C. Medical negligence**, is right because a gossypiboma is typically considered a preventable medical error. It occurs when there is a failure to properly count and verify the surgical sponges and instruments used during a procedure, leading to one or more being left inside the patient. This is a clear example of medical negligence, as it involves a breach of the standard of care expected in surgical practices.
## **Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
- **Option A:** This option is incorrect because a gossypiboma is not typically classified under "infection" as a primary cause; rather, it can lead to infection as a complication.
- **Option B:** This option is incorrect because, while a gossypiboma can lead to a foreign body reaction and potentially to a tumor-like formation (such as a granuloma), it is not primarily considered a case of tumor.
- **Option D:** This option is incorrect because, although a gossypiboma can lead to complications that might result in death, labeling it solely as a "complication of surgery" does not specifically address the cause or nature of the event.
## **Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
A key point to remember is that the prevention of gossypiboma involves meticulous surgical sponge and instrument counting, often using a combination of manual counting and radiological verification (e.g., using a radiopaque marker in sponges). This condition is entirely preventable with adherence to strict surgical protocols.
## **Correct Answer:** C. Medical negligence.