Surgery is often seen as a life-saving and transformative medical procedure. Usually, it is. Skilled surgeons and medical teams work tirelessly to perform successful surgeries and minimize complications.
However, like any medical procedure, surgery has risks. One often-overlooked but potentially devastating complication is the retention of surgical foreign bodies (RSFB) within a patient’s body after surgery. While rare, if you are a victim of RSFB, you should know the risks, causes, and legal implications in medical malpractice cases.
Understanding Retained Surgical Foreign Bodies
According to the Patient Safety Network, Retained Surgical Foreign Bodies, or “never events,” refer to objects or materials inadvertently left inside a patient’s body during surgery. These objects can vary in size and material, ranging from surgical sponges and surgical instruments to needles and gauze. While the occurrence of RSFB is relatively rare – according to Outpatient Surgery magazine, only 88 instances were reported to The Joint Commission in 2022 – the consequences can be catastrophic for patients.
Common Types of RSFB
Common Retained Surgical Foreign Bodies include:
- Sponges: Surgical sponges are used to soak up blood and other fluids during surgery. They can be difficult to spot once soaked with bodily fluids, leading to their retention in a patient’s body.
- Instruments: Surgical instruments such as clamps, forceps, or retractors may be inadvertently left behind during surgery.
- Needles: Small needles used for suturing or injections can break or become dislodged, leading to retention.
- Gauze: Gauze is often used during surgery to control bleeding. It can be challenging to account for all pieces of gauze used, which can lead to retention.
Causes of Retained Surgical Foreign Bodies
Typical causes of Retained Surgical Foreign Bodies include:
- Inadequate Counting Procedures: One of the primary causes of RSFB is a breakdown in surgical counting procedures. Surgical teams are responsible for keeping track of all instruments, sponges, and materials used during the procedure. Failure to do so can cause items to be left inside the patient.
- Distractions and Fatigue: Surgeons and their teams often work long hours, and fatigue can impair their judgment and attention to detail. Distractions in the operating room can contribute to RSFB incidents.
- Emergency Situations: In emergency surgeries, there may be less time for thorough counting procedures and checks, increasing the risk of RSFB.
- Complexity of Surgery: Complex surgeries involving multiple surgical teams and numerous instruments can increase the likelihood of RSFB incidents.
Consequences of RSFB
The consequences of RSFB can be severe, leading to a range of physical and emotional distress for the affected patient. Some potential complications include:
- Infection: RSFB can introduce bacteria into the body, leading to infections that may require additional surgeries and prolonged hospitalization.
- Organ Damage: Foreign bodies left inside the body can cause damage to organs, blood vessels, and other tissues.
- Chronic Pain: Patients with RSFB often experience chronic pain, which can significantly affect their quality of life.
- Delayed Diagnosis: In some cases, RSFB may go undetected for months or even years, making it harder to link the complications to the surgical error.
Legal Implications of RSFB in Medical Malpractice Cases
Patients who have experienced RSFB have the legal right to seek compensation for their suffering and losses. Medical malpractice claims related to RSFB typically involve the following elements:
- Duty of Care: Establishing that medical professionals owe the patient a duty of care, which includes ensuring that no foreign objects are left inside the patient’s body.
- Breach of Standard of Care: Demonstrating that the surgical team failed to meet the standard of care expected in the medical community by leaving a foreign object inside the patient.
- Causation: Proving that the RSFB directly caused the patient’s injuries or complications.
- Damages: Documenting the physical, emotional, and financial damages suffered by the patient due to the RSFB.
- Expert Testimony: Requiring expert witnesses to testify to the breach of standard of care and causation.
How We Help
Retained Surgical Foreign Bodies are a rare but devastating occurrence in the surgery world. While medical professionals work diligently to minimize the risk, errors can still happen for a variety of reasons. Patients suffering from RSFB have the right to seek compensation for their pain, suffering, and financial losses through medical malpractice claims.
If you or a loved one has experienced complications related to RSFB, consult with an experienced medical malpractice attorney who specializes in these types of cases. They can help you navigate the legal process, gather evidence, and fight for the compensation you deserve, holding the responsible parties accountable for their negligence.
To schedule a free consultation, call us at 317-566-9600 (Indianapolis), 765-865-9300 (Kokomo), or 812-566-2600 (Bloomington), or complete our online inquiry form to schedule an appointment* with one of our health professional attorneys to review your case. If you were harmed through medical treatments or neglect, we hope to hear from you. We have offices in Indianapolis, Kokomo, and Bloomington to serve you.
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