Frequently Asked Questions About Retained Surgical Objects
Discovering that a foreign object was left inside your body after surgery can be shocking and frightening. Unfortunately, this type of medical mistake happens more often than many patients realize. Medical professionals refer to these incidents as retained surgical objects (RSOs).
These objects may include surgical sponges, gauze, clamps, or other instruments accidentally left behind during a procedure. Because hospitals follow strict counting procedures designed to prevent these mistakes, retained surgical objects are generally considered preventable medical errors.
If you have learned that a foreign object may have been left inside your body, it is important to understand the steps you can take to protect your health and your legal rights.
Below are answers to some of the most common questions patients ask.
What Should You Do If a Foreign Object Was Left in Your Body?
If you discover that a foreign object was left inside your body after surgery, the most important steps are to seek medical evaluation, obtain imaging and medical records, and consider speaking with a medical malpractice attorney. Retained surgical objects can cause infections, internal injuries, and long-term complications. Because these incidents are considered preventable medical errors, patients may have the right to pursue a medical malpractice claim.
Key Takeaways
- A foreign object left inside the body after surgery is called a retained surgical object.
- These incidents are considered preventable medical errors.
- Patients should seek immediate medical evaluation if symptoms develop.
- Medical records and imaging can help confirm what occurred.
- In some cases, patients may have the right to pursue a medical malpractice claim.
What Is Considered a Foreign Object Left in the Body?
A foreign object left in the body occurs when surgical tools or materials are accidentally left inside a patient after a procedure.
Common examples include:
- Surgical sponges
- Gauze or surgical pads
- Surgical clamps or forceps
- Needles
- Fragments of broken medical instruments
Hospitals use strict counting procedures and surgical checklists to prevent these mistakes, which is why they are often classified as “never events.”
What Are the First Steps You Should Take?
If you discover or suspect that a foreign object may have been left inside your body after surgery, several steps can help protect your health and document what happened.
1. Seek Medical Evaluation Immediately
If you are experiencing pain, swelling, fever, or unusual symptoms after surgery, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible. Doctors may order imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs to determine whether an object is present.
2. Follow Medical Advice About Removal
In many cases, a second surgical procedure may be necessary to remove the object and treat any complications such as infection or internal damage.
3. Request Your Medical Records
Medical records can provide important information about your procedure, including:
- Surgical reports
- Instrument count logs
- Imaging results
- Follow-up treatment records
These documents may help determine how the error occurred.
4. Document Your Symptoms and Treatment
Keep records of any symptoms, doctor visits, medications, and additional procedures related to the retained object.
5. Consider Speaking With a Medical Malpractice Attorney
An experienced attorney can review your medical records and help determine whether the error may support a medical malpractice claim.
What Symptoms May Indicate a Surgical Object Was Left Inside the Body?
Some patients discover the issue quickly, while others may not notice symptoms for months or even years.
Possible warning signs include:
- Persistent pain after surgery
- Fever or infection
- Swelling or inflammation
- Internal abscesses
- Digestive problems
- Drainage from the surgical site
- A lump near the surgical area
If you experience unexplained symptoms following surgery, doctors may order imaging tests to determine the cause.
Why Are Retained Surgical Objects Dangerous?
Foreign objects left inside the body can lead to serious medical complications. The body may react to the object as a foreign substance, which can trigger inflammation or infection.
Possible complications include:
- Severe infections
- Organ damage
- Sepsis
- Internal bleeding
- Intestinal blockages
- Chronic pain
- The need for additional surgeries
Because of these risks, prompt medical evaluation is essential.
Can You Sue a Hospital or Surgeon for Leaving an Object Inside Your Body?
In many cases, yes.
Healthcare providers are required to follow accepted medical standards during surgical procedures. When a surgical sponge, instrument, or other item is left inside a patient, it may be considered a breach of the standard of care.
Because hospitals follow strict protocols designed to prevent these errors, retained surgical object cases often involve clear questions about whether those safety procedures were followed.
Who May Be Responsible for a Retained Surgical Object?
Several parties may potentially share responsibility depending on what happened during the surgery.
These may include:
- The surgeon
- Surgical nurses responsible for instrument counts
- Operating room staff
- The hospital or surgical facility
Investigations often review surgical records and operating room procedures to determine where the breakdown occurred.
How Are Retained Surgical Objects Typically Discovered?
Some retained objects are discovered shortly after surgery if an instrument count does not match. In other cases, patients begin experiencing symptoms and doctors order imaging tests to determine the cause.
These tests may include:
- X-rays
- CT scans
- MRI scans
- Ultrasounds
Once discovered, surgery may be required to remove the object.
How common are retained surgical objects?
Retained surgical objects are considered rare, but patient safety research suggests they still occur thousands of times each year in the United States.
How long can a surgical object remain in the body?
In some cases, retained objects are discovered quickly. In others, they may remain in the body for months or even years before symptoms appear.
Are surgical sponges the most common retained object?
Yes. Surgical sponges are frequently reported because they are used during many procedures and can be difficult to detect if counts are incorrect.
Is leaving a surgical object inside a patient considered malpractice?
In many situations, yes. Retained surgical objects are often considered preventable medical errors and may support a medical malpractice claim.
How Baron, Herskowitz & Cohen Help Patients After Surgical Errors
Learning that a foreign object was left inside your body can be overwhelming. These cases often require detailed medical investigations, expert review of surgical records, and a careful analysis of hospital safety procedures.
The attorneys at Baron, Herskowitz & Cohen represent individuals harmed by medical malpractice, negligence, and surgical errors. Our team works with medical experts to investigate what happened during a procedure and pursue accountability when healthcare providers fail to meet accepted standards of care.
If you or a loved one discovered that a surgical object may have been left inside the body after a procedure, understanding your legal rights may be an important next step.
