What are the most common items left in patients during surgery?

Surgery requires precision and attention to detail, but sometimes surgical items are left inside patients. These mistakes, known as retained surgical items (RSIs), can cause serious health issues. Knowing the most common items left behind helps raise awareness and improve surgical practices in Delaware.

Sponges

Sponges soak up blood and fluids during surgery and are the most common items left inside patients. Sponges can be hard to see once they become soaked and can blend into the surgical site. Counting sponges before and after surgery helps reduce this risk, but mistakes still happen.

Instruments and Needles

Surgical instruments like forceps, clamps, and scissors sometimes get left inside patients. These items are small, and it’s easy for a distracted surgeon to overlook them during surgery. Accounting for all instruments is crucial to avoid this issue.

Needles are also tiny and can be challenging to track. Using needle counters and carefully checking the surgical area can help prevent this problem.

Towels

Surgical towels keep the surgical area clean and dry. It can be difficult for staff to track how many towels have been used in large or complex surgeries.

Broken or Fragmented Instruments

Fragments of broken instruments or devices, such as surgical tools or medical devices, are also sometimes left inside patients. Thoroughly inspecting all equipment before and after use can help avoid this issue.

Retention Devices

Retention devices, such as retractors or markers, hold back tissues or mark specific areas during surgery. If not properly tracked, these items can be forgotten.

Finding RSIs

If families in Delaware find an RSI after surgery, seek immediate medical attention. Contact your healthcare provider to report the issue. Follow their instructions for removal and treatment to prevent further complications. Document all details and consider informing the hospital administration about the incident.

Families might also seek legal help to navigate this issue.

Preventing RSIs

Preventing RSIs involves careful counting and tracking of all surgical items. Technology like RFID tags or barcodes can help ensure nothing is left behind. Communication among surgical staff is also key to preventing these errors.

Wilmington residents should know the most common items left in patients during surgery. This knowledge highlights the importance of meticulous surgical practices. Raising awareness and improving protocols can significantly reduce the risk of RSIs.