Retained Surgical Object Lawyer

Common retained objects include surgical sponges, instruments such as clamps or retractors, needles, and other equipment. These objects are left inside body cavities or structures when surgeons fail to account for all materials before closing.

Retained sponges are the most common type and can cause severe inflammatory reactions. Retained instruments can cause perforation or obstruction.

Standard surgical care requires systematic counting of all sponges, instruments, and needles before the incision is closed. Counts are performed before starting surgery, during the procedure, and most importantly at the end before closure.

Failure to perform proper counts, or failure to respond appropriately when counts are incorrect, constitutes breach of standard care. This is essentially indefensible negligence.

Retained objects are sometimes discovered immediately during post-operative imaging, but often are not discovered until months or years later when complications develop. Delayed discovery means patients undergo additional surgery for emergency treatment of complications caused by the retained object.

Complications include infection, sepsis, bowel obstruction, peritonitis, and inflammatory mass formation. Some patients suffer permanent injury or death.

Patients with confirmed retained surgical objects have clear claims for malpractice. The negligence is established by the mere fact of the retained object; no detailed proof of standard care is necessary.

To evaluate your case, we need operative reports, post-operative imaging confirming the retained object, records of discovery, and all medical records for subsequent treatment addressing the complication.