Many surgical mistakes are preventable with proper care. Retained foreign bodies or items left inside a patient are a form of never event, as health care professionals should diligently ensure there is nothing unnecessary in a patient’s incision before closing it.
Retained foreign bodies almost always necessitate a revision procedure. A patient has to undergo a second surgery to remove the objects that a surgeon left behind after an initial operation. What types of objects are most likely to require removal after a surgery?
1. Pieces of medical balloons or catheters
Gaining access to certain parts of the body can be a challenge. Surgical balloons and catheters can assist with surgical procedures. However, especially if they rupture or tear, medical professionals might leave part of these tools inside a patient at the end of a procedure.
2. Surgical gauze and sponges
The use of gauze and sponges to keep an incision clean and tissue visible is common practice. Surgical professionals should account for all sterile gauze and sponges before closing an incision. When left behind, they can cause inflammatory responses and could increase the risk of infection even if they were sterile initially.
3. Rigid implements
There are many rigid tools ranging from scalpels and forceps to clamps and needles that surgeons and support professionals use during operations. These items can be particularly dangerous if left behind inside a patient after an operation. They can cause traumatic internal injuries.
Proper adherence to standard surgical procedures should all but eliminate the risk of retained foreign bodies. Patients with additional medical expenses and lost wages due to surgical errors may have grounds for a medical malpractice lawsuit. Leaving something behind in a patient is a mistake that should never happen in a well-managed operating room.
