Retained surgical items a common surgical error, article finds

April 18, 2013

In a perfect world, when you went into surgery, it would be a smooth and error-free experience. In reality, this is not always the case, as surgeons and other surgical staff are human and make mistakes. However, a recent article in USA Today highlighted how often these mistakes are so simple that it seems incredible to a layperson.

According to the article, surgeons leave behind surgical tools and material in their patients more than 12 times per day. The most common tool that is left behind is the cotton surgical sponge, which surgeons use to soak up blood during operations. However, other tools such as forceps and clamps are also often left behind.

For the article, USA Today examined medical malpractice lawsuits filed across multiple jurisdictions, as governmental data is incomplete on the subject, because there is no federal mandate to report surgical errors. The lawsuits showed that surgeons leave behind objects in their patients about 4,500 to 6,000 times per year.

Lack of effective solutions blamed

Shockingly, the article also found that hospitals are reluctant to implement solutions that are effective in preventing this simple type of surgical error. One of the most effective solutions is to take human error out of the equation by equipping sponges and surgical tools with electronic tracking devices, allowing them to be counted accurately by a computer. The cost of such a solution is modest--about $8 to $12 per procedure.

Although relatively inexpensive, fewer than 15 percent of hospitals have decided to use electronic tracking devices in their operating rooms. Instead, many hospitals rely on surgical staff to count the number of sponges and tools before and after each procedure. As the stressful environment can make it easy to miscount, this method is prone to failure.

Hospitals' recalcitrance in failing to protect patients from retained surgical instruments is not without financial consequences. Hospitals pay an average of $100,000 to $200,000 to injured plaintiffs in medical malpractice lawsuits. Additionally, Medicare data shows that injured patients pay an average of $60,000 in medical expenses to correct the damage done.

Unfortunately, that damage can be severe. By the time that the error is discovered, the affected area can already be infected. Sometimes this can require an amputation. In some cases, the patient can develop sepsis and die as a result.

A medical malpractice attorney can help

Sadly, many hospitals continue to ignore the problem, despite cost-effective solutions. If you or a loved one have suffered as a result of a surgical error, you may be entitled to recover compensation. Contact an experienced medical malpractice attorney to learn more about your right to compensation.

Article provided by Baker Billick, P.A.
Visit us at www.bakerlawfirmpa.com