Breast Textiloma: An unending medico-legal issue about a case report.

INTRODUCTION: Textiloma is a mass composed of retained surgical textile foreign body. It is a rare iatrogenic complication that can engage the doctor's responsibility. The aim of this manuscript is to report an unusual case of breast Textiloma mimicking a recurrent tumor and to highlight its medico-legal implications.

PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 47-year-old lady, without past medical history, was diagnosed with a breast infiltring intraductal carcinoma. She was treated with mastectomy. Four years later, the patient consulted her surgeon for a subcutaneous mass in the operative site. Both medical and radiological investigations concluded to recurrent tumor. Histological examination confirmed the diagnosis of Textiloma.

DISCUSSION: Retained foreign bodies in the operative site are infrequent but serious iatrogenic complications. Clinical manifestations of Textiloma are variable and non-specific. It should be suspected in any postoperative case with unresolved or unusual problems. It can mimic other conditions such as tumor. Textiloma is a frequently injurious situation that can lead to medico-legal implications. It is considered to be a sample of medical negligence that involves the surgeon responsibility.

CONCLUSION: Textiloma is a preventable condition and it can be avoidable by maintaining standard recommendations.