Objects Left Behind in a Surgery (Yes, It Actually Happens) 

What many people don't realize is just how common these incidents are. Increasing the awareness of this problem is critical for improving surgical care in the United States. It’s also vital that patients who have suffered harm from these errors understand their legal options.

How Often Does It Happen?

Believe it or not, studies estimate that leaving an object being during a surgery occurs in about one out of every 5,500 to 7,000 surgeries. If that rate doesn’t seem high to you, consider that objects are left behind in patients more than 12 times every day in the United States. Research suggests that every year, between 4,500 and 6,000 patients will experience this type of incident.

This surgical error is often referred to as a type of "never event," or a mistake that should never happen if the proper precautions are taken. For example, nurses, surgeons and surgical assistants are supposed to keep track of equipment during a surgery by counting out supplies and equipment like sponges and instruments both before and after the procedure.

Unfortunately, if this protocol is not followed or if a mistake is made, some types of surgical equipment can be difficult to spot when they are left in certain places—especially if they are covered in blood or if they are very small in size. Perhaps it’s no surprise that the most common item left behind following a surgery is a surgical sponge.

What Are the Complications?

The complications following a “retained item event” can be serious and costly. Before it is even discovered that a surgical instrument has been left behind, many patients will experience severe pain or other side effects before returning to the hospital, where an x-ray, ultrasound or other diagnostic screening will reveal the cause.

From there, an additional surgery will be required to remove the item, though it is possible that long-term damage may have already occurred. Severe infections, for example, can develop when items are left inside the body for prolonged periods of time without detection. And of course, there is also the pain, suffering, and emotional consequences that come along with this type of medical malpractice and the subsequent treatment that is required.

What Recourse Do Victims Have?

For patients who have suffered injury or illness because of a foreign object left behind following surgery, it’s important to consult an experienced medical malpractice attorney to consider your legal options. The right kind of attorney will investigate the particular facts and circumstances of your case and help determine the best course of action. From there, your attorney will assist you through the legal process, keeping your rights and best interests in mind throughout. Ultimately, the goal is to obtain full and fair compensation, whether by settlement or trial, for the medical expenses, pain and suffering, and any other injuries and losses you have experienced as a result of the malpractice.

It’s frightening to think about how common these incidents are in our healthcare system, but by gaining a better understanding of the problem and knowing our legal options, we can make sure that we aren’t left carrying the costs of a healthcare provider’s mistakes.