Surgery is meant to heal, but when something goes wrong, the consequences can be life-altering. One of the most shocking and preventable surgical errors is the accidental retention of a foreign object inside a patient’s body. Whether it’s a sponge, a surgical instrument, or a piece of gauze, these so-called “never events” are just that: events that should never happen.
At Baron, Herskowitz & Cohen, we represent individuals and families whose lives have been affected by surgical negligence, including cases where foreign objects were left inside the body during surgery. In this blog, we break down the statistics, the risks, and what you can do if you or a loved one has been affected.
The Shocking Statistics
According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) and various hospital safety studies:
- An estimated 1 in every 5,500 surgeries results in a foreign object being left behind.
- Surgical sponges are the most common culprit, accounting for approximately 70% of all retained surgical items.
- Retained foreign objects can go undetected for days, months, or even years, sometimes only discovered after serious complications arise.
- The most common areas where objects are left behind include the abdomen, pelvis, and chest.
- Nearly 80% of cases occur during emergency procedures or surgeries that experience unexpected complications.
Despite efforts by hospitals to reduce these incidents through surgical counts and technology, the numbers have not disappeared. In fact, underreporting and lack of centralized data suggest the real numbers may be even higher.
What Happens When a Foreign Object Is Left Behind?
Leaving a foreign object inside the body can cause:
- Infections
- Internal bleeding
- Organ damage
- Chronic pain
- Need for additional surgeries
- Emotional trauma and loss of trust in the medical system
In the worst cases, these errors lead to permanent disability or even death.
Is It Considered Medical Malpractice?
Yes. Leaving a foreign object inside a patient is almost always classified as medical malpractice. Surgeons and operating room staff have a legal duty to ensure that all tools and materials are accounted for before completing a procedure. When this duty is breached, the patient has the right to seek compensation for damages, including:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Additional corrective procedures
How Baron, Herskowitz & Cohen Can Help
At Baron, Herskowitz & Cohen, we understand the physical, financial, and emotional toll of surgical errors. Our experienced legal team investigates every detail of your case, working with medical experts to uncover negligence and hold healthcare providers accountable.
We offer:
- Free initial consultation to assess your case
- Thorough medical record review to identify where the breakdown occurred
- Aggressive advocacy in negotiations or a trial
- Compassionate guidance throughout the legal process
We’ve successfully handled complex medical malpractice cases across Florida, and we are committed to helping our clients secure the compensation they deserve.
Contact Baron, Herskowitz & Cohen today for a confidential case evaluation.
