Can Leaving an Instrument Inside a Patient Be Malpractice?
An estimated 1,500 surgical objects are left behind each year, most commonly in abdominal and chest surgeries. Retained surgical objects are one of the most common “never” events, since they are mistakes that are completely avoidable. Leaving a surgical instrument behind following a surgery can lead to infection, pain, and other health complications. Such an error is very telling about a hospital’s lapse in safety protocols, making it a prime example of medical malpractice.
If you or a family member experienced a retained instrument following a surgery or procedure, our South Carolina surgery malpractice lawyers are here to help. Our legal team is committed to identifying the responsible parties to obtain the compensation that is rightfully yours. By seeking counsel early in the process, you can ensure that your rights are protected.
Why are Surgical Instruments Left Behind?
Hospitals have instituted certain protocols to avoid having surgical instruments left behind in patient cavities and to avoid other “never” events. One common safety measure used in hospitals is called a “time out.” This is a mandatory pause, which requires the surgical team to identify the name of the patient, the procedure, and the site of surgery prior to beginning the procedure. The “time out” has been implemented by most major medical institutions to prevent surgical errors.
Unfortunately, breakdowns in the system can take place. For example, a surgical team will perform a manual count of all surgical objects used before, during, or after surgery. There are usually two people performing the count. However, a surgical instrument may be left behind due to a rushed procedure or improper counting, leading to a negative patient outcome. In other situations, the surgical team may know that a surgical object has not been accounted for, but the team may need to close due to medical reasons.
Types of Foreign Objects Left Behind Post-Surgery
Common surgical instruments that may be left in a patient’s body cavity include:
- Surgical sponges
- Forceps
- Clamps
- Retractors
- Needles
- Scalpels
- Drill tips
- Guidewires
Fragments of drill bits may also be left behind in a body cavity, as they are difficult to see on an X-ray. If the object is left there for some time, it can lead to discomfort and potentially cause an infection. Some of these infections can even harbor bacteria, causing sepsis. You deserve to recover damages, but you should not attempt to go about a lawsuit alone. By working with a surgery malpractice attorney, you will have someone who has knowledge of legal procedures and experience in how to approach your specific case.
A malpractice attorney will gather the necessary information to prove the source of the infection to establish your physician’s oversight, ensuring that you receive maximum compensation for your suffering.
Aggressive Representation from Dedicated Surgery Malpractice Attorneys
If you have had a foreign object left inside you following surgery, you may be plagued by chronic pain and persistent inflammation. This mistake could result in you incurring thousands of dollars in medical expenses to find relief. At Parham, Smith & Archenhold, LLC, our South Carolina surgery malpractice lawyers believe that any harm you experience due to a surgeon’s negligence should be compensated fully. If you are ready to learn your legal options, do not hesitate to contact our office online or by phone at (864) 432-1796 to schedule your free consultation.