Surgical procedures come with inherent risks, but one of the most troubling and entirely preventable mistakes is when a surgical sponge is left inside a patient’s body. Known in the medical field as a retained surgical item (RSI), sponges are the most commonly forgotten object. These gauze pads or surgical towels are often saturated with blood and bodily fluids, making them difficult to distinguish from surrounding tissue.
Why Surgical Sponges Are So Often Retained
Surgical sponges are small, soft, and used frequently throughout procedures to absorb blood and maintain a clear operating field. During complex or emergency surgeries, multiple sponges may be used, increasing the risk of one being unintentionally left behind. While protocols exist to count all instruments and materials before and after surgery, mistakes still happen, especially when teams are rushed, understaffed, or distracted.
The Serious Consequences of a Retained Sponge
A retained sponge, sometimes called a gossypiboma, can cause severe and long-term harm including:
- Infection and abscess formation
- Intestinal blockages or perforations
- Chronic pain and inflammation
- Additional surgeries and hospitalization
- Emotional and financial distress
In some cases, it can take weeks, months, or even years before the retained sponge is discovered, often after the patient returns with unexplained symptoms.
This Should Never Happen
Leaving a sponge inside a patient is a clear example of medical negligence. Hospitals and surgical teams have a duty to follow strict safety protocols designed to prevent these incidents. When they fail to meet that standard of care and a patient is harmed as a result, legal action may be necessary to recover damages.
How Baron, Herskowitz, and Cohen Can Help
At Baron, Herskowitz, and Cohen, we have extensive experience handling complex medical malpractice claims, including those involving retained surgical items. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll this kind of error can have on patients and their families and we’re here to help you pursue justice.
If you or a loved one has suffered due to a surgical sponge or other item being left inside the body, you may have a claim.
Contact us today for a FREE confidential consultation. Let us fight for the answers and compensation you deserve.
