You likely would not expect to wake up from surgery to find a surgeon left a pair of scissors in your body. However, it can happen. It is possible that over one thousand people are victims of retained objects in the body every year. A common type of medical malpractice that happens during surgery is the retention of foreign objects.
When a patient undergoes surgery, foreign objects left in the body can lead to serious medical dangers. Surgeons, nurses and hospitals may be liable for medical damages and wrongful deaths as a result. Here is what you should know:
What medical tools could be left in the body?
During surgeries, doctors may use a number of tools on patients, which may also be left in the body. These tools may be used generally for each surgery or used for specific needs. Some common types of medical tools used during surgery include:
- Scissors
- Scalpels
- Forceps
- Clamps
- Needles
- Suture
- Suctions
- Clips
- Drill bits
In many cases, the most common types of tools found in the body were sponges, mesh, gauze and tissues. For some of these tools, they may be left in the body without causing any serious issues. But, other tools may lead to serious infections, swelling and cuts. These can lead to serious medical conditions and even death.
How do doctors misplace medical tools?
Being a surgeon is an intensive job. Many surgeons leave behind tools because of stress, distractions and fatigue. However, leaving equipment behind in a body can endanger the patient’s life. If a doctor neglects their duty to provide standard care to their patient, the patient may seek compensation for their injuries.