Mysterious case of retained surgical mop retrieval from the urinary bladder after 16 years following vaginal hysterectomy

This case report describes the incidental discovery of a retained surgical mop in the urinary bladder, 16 years after a vaginal hysterectomy. The patient presented with recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) and lower abdominal discomfort, which led to the preoperative diagnosis of a large vesical calculus, requiring surgical removal via open cystolithotomy. However, upon surgical exploration, the mass, initially thought to be a calculus, was identified as a retained surgical mop. Notably, despite the prolonged retention period, the bladder mucosa appeared unremarkable, with no signs of fibrosis or other abnormal changes. This case highlights the importance of thorough surgical technique, careful postoperative monitoring, and prompt intervention to prevent and address rare complications such as retained surgical foreign bodies.