During surgery, doctors and nurses use many surgical tools to clean, cut and care for the body. These tools can include surgical sponges, gauze, needles and clamps. In some cases, these medical instruments are left inside a patient’s body during a surgical or medical procedure. In such cases, they are referred to as retained foreign objects.
Retained foreign objects are not meant to remain inside the body. As a result, these objects can lead to serious medical complications if not discovered or removed promptly. Surgical cases that involve retained foreign objects can raise concerns of medical malpractice. Here is what you should know:
How are objects left in the body?
Hospitals are very strict about how surgical teams act during medical procedures to protect the safety of patients. However, human error can still lead to serious mistakes. Some of the common ways retained foreign objects are left in the body include:
- Incorrect surgical count: Surgical teams must count surgical tools before and after procedures. However, miscounting surgical tools can lead to overlooked tools left in a patient’s body.
- Emergency surgeries: During high-pressure situations when a patient needs immediate care, the risk of mismanagement and lost objects can increase.
- Complex procedures: Surgical procedures that involve multiple surgical teams and lengthy surgeries can increase the likelihood of lost surgical tools.
One small mistake during surgery can lead to serious medical problems for a patient.
What are the dangers of retained foreign objects?
There are a few reasons why a retained foreign object is dangerous for a patient. Sharp or rigid objects can increase the risk of tissue or organ damage. Some retained foreign objects can lead to infections and sepsis.
Professional legal guidance can help people who have been injured by retained foreign objects after surgery.
