Doctors and nurses use many tools during surgery, including needles, scissors, sponges, clamps and scalpels. While medical practitioners are supposed to be very careful during operations to avoid injuring patients, there are times when surgical tools are left inside a patient’s body after surgery. These are called retained surgical objects (RSOs).
Medical practitioners may leave behind tools as a result of stress, mismanagement or disorganization. An RSO can pose a serious threat to a patient’s health and safety, possibly leading to long-term health complications and even fatal injuries. The following are some specific dangers of RSOs:
Infection and sepsis
While surgical tools should be thoroughly sanitized before use to avoid causing infection, RSOs can develop bacteria in the body. This bacteria could lead to serious infections and, at times, sepsis. Sepsis is a very dangerous medical condition that can lead to tissue damage, organ failure and death. The longer the RSO remains in the body, the more likely it is to develop bacteria and affect patients.
Organ damage and internal bleeding
Certain surgical tools left in a body may lead to internal organ trauma depending on the location. For example, sharp instruments may puncture blood vessels and organs, causing internal bleeding. If a tool causes organ damage, it can be extremely difficult to locate and remove the object before it causes any more damage.
Inflammation and pain
In some cases, an RSO can cause pain and inflammation. For example, sponges may absorb liquids in the body, increasing in size and becoming uncomfortable for patients. Pain and inflammation may go on without the RSO being discovered, leading to misdiagnosis.
An RSO that causes harm may be cause for a medical malpractice claim, depending on the specific circumstances. Legal guidance can help patients or surviving loved ones determine whether they have a case.
