Undergoing surgery is already a stressful experience, but for some patients, an entirely preventable mistake can make matters worse: a retained surgical object (RSO). This occurs when a foreign object, such as a surgical sponge, retractor, or instrument, is mistakenly left inside a patient’s body after surgery.
RSOs are considered a “never event,” meaning they should never happen in a medical setting. However, they do occur, leading to severe health complications and legal consequences.
If you or a loved one has suffered due to a retained surgical object, you may be entitled to compensation. Call Julie A. Rice, Attorney At Law, & Affiliates at (770) 865-8654 to schedule a free consultation today.
What is a Retained Surgical Object?
A retained surgical object is any foreign item left inside a patient’s body after a surgical procedure. Common RSOs include:
- Surgical Sponges: Used to absorb fluids, sponges can become soaked with blood and blend in with surrounding tissue, making them difficult to detect.
- Retractors: These metal tools are used to hold back organs and tissues during surgery and can sometimes be forgotten inside the body.
- Needles and Scalpels: Small instruments used during surgery may be left behind if proper counts are not performed.
- Surgical Towels and Gauze: These items can also be mistaken for normal tissue and overlooked during closure.
The Dangers of Retained Surgical Objects
Leaving a foreign object inside a patient can cause a range of serious health complications, including:
- Severe Infections: A retained sponge or instrument can trigger infections such as sepsis, a life-threatening condition.
- Organ Damage: Hard objects like retractors or scalpels can puncture organs, leading to internal bleeding and failure.
- Chronic Pain: Patients may suffer persistent pain and discomfort without knowing the cause.
- Bowel Obstruction: Retained objects can cause blockages in the digestive tract, requiring additional surgery to correct.
How Do Retained Surgical Objects Happen?
RSOs typically result from medical negligence, including:
- Inadequate Surgical Counts: Most hospitals require staff to count sponges and instruments before and after surgery. Errors in these counts increase the risk of RSOs.
- Fatigue and Overcrowded Operating Rooms: Long surgeries and distracted teams make it easier to overlook objects.
- Failure to Use Technology: Radiofrequency identification (RFID) and X-ray scans can help detect retained objects, but not all hospitals use these tools.
Legal Rights for Victims of Retained Surgical Objects in Georgia
If a surgeon or medical staff leaves an object inside your body, you may have grounds for a medical malpractice lawsuit. Under Georgia law, patients must prove that a healthcare provider acted negligently, leading to their injury. This involves showing that:
- A doctor-patient relationship existed: Meaning the healthcare provider owed you a duty of care.
- The provider was negligent: They failed to meet the accepted standard of care.
- The negligence caused harm: The retained object directly led to injury or complications.
Compensation for Retained Surgical Objects Injuries
If you or a loved one has suffered due to a retained surgical object, you may be eligible for compensation, including:
- Medical Expenses: Covering corrective surgeries, hospital stays, and rehabilitation.
- Lost Wages: If you were unable to work due to your injuries.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain and emotional distress.
- Punitive Damages: In cases of extreme negligence, additional damages may be awarded.
Contact a Georgia Medical Malpractice Attorney Today
A retained surgical object is a serious medical mistake that can cause long-term suffering. If you or someone you love has been affected, don’t wait to seek justice. Call Julie A. Rice, Attorney At Law, & Affiliates now at (770) 865-8654 or fill out our online form to schedule a free consultation and discuss your legal options today.