Unusual cause of refractory infection in head and neck surgery; retained surgical sponges

Abstract

Refractory infections are not common in head and neck region. As gossypiboma (retained surgical sponges) is also rare in head and neck surgeries, it is generally ignored as a potential diagnosis. In this article we aimed to call attention to gossypiboma cases in refractory maxillary infections. We present three cases of retained surgical sponges after head and neck surgery occurred in between 2003 and 2011. We also discussed the possible causes and prevention strategies for them.