Retained surgical items (RSIs) are items that a surgeon leaves inside a patient’s body after surgery. Examples include surgical sponges, needles and surgical instruments like drains, clamps and retractors.
Leaving foreign objects in the body is harmful. It can lead to fatal complications. So, why does it happen?
Human error
RSIs are, in most cases, the result of human error, including communication breakdown, lack of proper training, inadequate adherence to protocols, fatigue, disruptions to the surgical plan and complacency (failing to count surgical items due to overconfidence).
It’s vital for a surgical team to employ safety measures to eliminate the chances of these errors. For example, communicate effectively, have clear roles for each person, implement strict counting protocols, use technology for counting and detection and prioritize rest to mitigate fatigue.
High BMI patients
Studies over the years have shown that patients with high body mass index (BMI) are at an increased risk of RSIs. Different factors contribute to this, the first one being increased tissue depth. Deeper adipose tissue can make it difficult for surgeons to visualize or locate surgical items in the body, especially when errors are made in counting or when technology is not used.
Additionally, surgeries on high BMI patients can be more complex. This is because the patients are more likely to experience difficulties with anesthesia, and excess tissue can make it difficult for surgeons to work on the surgical area, which usually leads to longer operative times.
Besides, high BMI patients are more likely to experience unexpected changes during procedures, which can disrupt the workflow of a surgical team. All these complications can increase the risk of human error.
Surgeons can avoid RSIs through effective communication, enhanced counting procedures and the use of technology. If a surgeon acted negligently, leaving a foreign object in your body, gather adequate details about your case to hold them accountable.