Surgery helps save lives and treat health problems, but sometimes mistakes happen.
One grave mistake is when doctors or nurses accidentally leave something inside a patient’s body after surgery.
This is called a “retained surgical item” (RSI) or a foreign object left behind.
It could be a sponge, a small tool, or even a piece of gauze.
Let’s learn more about why this happens, how often it occurs, and what doctors do to prevent it.
What Is a Foreign Object Left in the Body?
When doctors perform surgery, they use many tools, such as scissors, clamps, sponges, and needles.
Sometimes, during surgery, one of these items is mistakenly left inside the patient’s body.
These objects are not supposed to stay there and can cause serious problems.
Examples of Foreign Objects Left Behind
Some items that are often left behind include:
- Surgical sponges (most common)
- Scissors
- Needles
- Clamps
- Tubes
- Surgical towels
The most common item is the surgical sponge, used to soak up blood during operations. It’s soft and small, so it can be hard to see, especially when soaked with blood.
Why Does This Happen?
Leaving an item inside a patient doesn’t happen on purpose.
It’s a mistake that usually occurs when the operating team is very busy, tired, or in a hurry.
Let’s look at some common reasons why this happens:
Surgeons use a wide array of instruments during operations; complex procedures may involve over 250 tools.
If the surgeon and the surgical technician do not coordinate well, tools can accidentally be left inside the patient.
Surgical sponges are among the most frequently retained items, as they absorb blood and often blend with internal tissues.
Common causes of retained surgical instruments include:
- Poor organization during the procedure
- Communication breakdowns within the surgical team
- Human error or oversight
- Inexperience in handling emergencies
- Inadequate management of surgical tools
- Fatigue among medical staff
Other risk factors include:
- Multiple or complex surgeries are being performed at once
- Involvement of numerous surgical teams
- High levels of blood loss during the operation
- Surgeries on patients with obesity
- If a surgical instrument is retained, a medical malpractice attorney may collaborate with a medical expert to assess the situation.
If it’s determined that the standard of care was not met and harm was caused, the patient may be eligible to file a medical malpractice claim.
How Often Does It Happen?
This mistake is rare, but it still happens more often than we’d like.
- The mistake of leaving foreign objects inside a patient during surgery is considered rare.
- However, it still occurs more frequently than desired despite safety protocols.
- These incidents can result in serious complications such as infections, internal injuries, and additional surgeries.
- The continued occurrence highlights the need for constant vigilance and improved surgical practices.
Statistics Around the World
United States:
- Foreign objects are accidentally left behind in about 1 out of every 1,500 to 5,000 surgeries.
- Variation in this range depends on the type of surgery, hospital practices, and reporting methods.
- Despite advanced medical systems and protocols, such errors persist.
Global Perspective:
- According to the World Health Organization (WHO), thousands of RSI (retained surgical item) cases occur worldwide every year.
- This is a global issue, not confined to a specific country or healthcare system.
Most Common Forgotten Item:
- Surgical sponges are the most frequently retained items.
- They account for approximately 70% of all RSIs.
- Sponges are often missed due to:
- Their ability to absorb blood and blend in with body tissues.
- Their small and flexible nature makes them harder to detect visually.
The Bigger Picture:
- While the percentage of these errors may seem low, the high volume of global surgeries means the total number of incidents is still significant.
- Each case represents a serious risk to patient safety and emphasizes the importance of enhanced surgical checks and training.
What Happens When Something Is Left Inside?
When a foreign object is left inside the body, the patient may feel sick. Some signs show up right away, while others appear days, weeks, or even months later.
Signs and Symptoms
- Pain or swelling near the surgical site
- Fever or chills
- Infection
- Redness and pus
- Trouble breathing or moving
- Feeling sick without knowing why
Serious Health Problems
If the foreign object is not removed, it can cause:
- Infections
- Organ damage
- Blood poisoning
- Long-term pain
- Need for another surgery.
Sometimes, the body creates a lump around the object, which can be mistaken for cancer.
How Are These Mistakes Found?
Doctors may locate the object using various medical imaging techniques, including:
- X-rays
- CT (Computed Tomography) scans
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scans
- Ultrasound tests
Many modern hospitals now utilize surgical sponges equipped with radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags, which allow them to be detected using specialized scanners.
Some surgical tools are even marked with barcodes to assist with accurate counting and inventory management during procedures.
What Happens If a Foreign Object Is Found?
If a foreign object is discovered inside the body after a procedure, the patient often requires additional surgery to have it removed.
This can be both frightening and painful, leading to further physical and emotional strain.
Moreover, it significantly increases hospital expenses and prolongs the overall recovery period.
Other Potential Problems Include
- Extended hospital stays, sometimes lasting days or even weeks longer than expected
- Increased time away from work, school, or daily responsibilities
- Heightened emotional distress, including feelings of anxiety, fear, or depression
- There is a greater risk of developing serious complications, infections, or even life-threatening conditions
What Are the Rules and Laws About This?
In many countries, this type of mistake is considered a “never event,” meaning it is a serious, preventable error that should never occur in medical practice.
Hospitals found guilty of such negligence may face legal consequences, including fines, lawsuits, or other penalties.
Patients who are harmed because a foreign object was left inside their body after surgery may take the following actions:
- File a formal complaint with the healthcare authorities
- Seek financial compensation to cover medical expenses and related costs
- Request a thorough investigation to determine how the error occurred and ensure accountability
The Role of a Malpractice Lawyer in Surgical Error Cases
When a foreign object is mistakenly left inside a patient after surgery, the aftermath can be overwhelming.
Victims not only face physical and emotional challenges but also potential financial burdens due to further treatments, extended hospital stays, or lost income.
In such situations, a medical malpractice lawyer can play a critical role in seeking justice and fair compensation.
Evaluating the Case
The first step a malpractice lawyer takes is to evaluate the facts of the case.
They will review medical records, surgical reports, and post-operative documentation to determine whether the standard of care was breached.
In most cases, they consult with medical experts to assess if the surgical team’s actions were negligent or if protocols were improperly followed.
Proving Negligence
To win a malpractice claim, the lawyer must demonstrate that the healthcare provider acted negligently and that this negligence directly caused harm. This involves proving:
- A duty of care existed between the patient and the medical professional.
- That duty was breached (e.g., by leaving a surgical item inside the body).
- The breach caused injury or illness.
- The patient suffered measurable damages as a result.
An experienced lawyer knows how to gather and present this evidence effectively.
Handling Legal Procedures
Medical malpractice lawsuits involve complex legal procedures, strict deadlines, and extensive documentation.
A lawyer handles all aspects of the case, including:
- Filing legal paperwork
- Negotiating with insurance companies
- Representing the client in court, if needed
- Ensuring compliance with local laws and statutes of limitations
This helps alleviate the burden on the patient, allowing them to focus on recovery.
Securing Compensation
A successful malpractice claim can lead to financial compensation for:
- Medical bills (past and future)
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages or reduced earning capacity
- Emotional distress
- Additional surgeries or treatments caused by the retained object
A skilled attorney will fight to ensure that the compensation reflects the true extent of the patient’s damage.
Promoting Accountability
Beyond financial compensation, malpractice lawsuits also serve a broader purpose.
They bring accountability to the healthcare system and may lead to institutional changes that help prevent similar errors in the future.
Legal action encourages hospitals to improve training, enforce stricter safety protocols, and invest in better surgical tracking systems.
Conclusion
Surgery is an essential part of modern medicine and often plays a critical role in saving lives and treating severe health conditions.
However, it must be performed with the utmost care and precision.
Leaving a foreign object inside a patient’s body is a serious and preventable medical error that can lead to significant health complications, emotional distress, and additional financial burdens.
While such incidents are relatively rare, the consequences can be severe and long-lasting.
This underscores the importance of strict surgical protocols, proper team communication, and the use of advanced technologies like RFID tracking systems.
Continued vigilance, training, and accountability are key to ensuring patient safety and minimizing the risk of retained surgical items in the future.
Every surgery should aim for not only success but also the highest standard of safety.
Since the 1960s, Finch McCranie LLP has been known for aggressive advocacy and powerful results.
Founded by Baxter Finch and Claude Ross, our firm quickly became a top choice for plaintiffs seeking justice across Georgia.
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FAQ’s
Wait—how can something like a sponge be forgotten inside someone’s body during surgery? Isn’t there a checklist or something?
Yes, there is a checklist, and hospitals follow strict protocols to count every tool and sponge before and after surgery. But sometimes, especially in emergencies or long, complex procedures, human error, miscommunication, or fatigue can cause a mistake. Sponges, in particular, are small and soft and can soak up blood, making them hard to spot—even during a careful inspection.
What would I feel if something was accidentally left inside me after surgery? Would I know right away?
Not always. Some people feel pain or notice swelling soon after the surgery. Others may feel sick for weeks or months without knowing why. Common signs include fever, infection, pus, or unexplained discomfort. In some cases, it might feel like something is just “off,” and that’s when doctors may use imaging to investigate further.
This sounds terrifying. How often does it actually happen?
It’s scary, yes—but thankfully, it’s rare. In the U.S., it happens in about 1 in every 1,500 to 5,000 surgeries. Considering how many surgeries are done every day, that still adds up to hundreds or thousands of cases each year. So, while your odds are low, the risk is real enough that hospitals continue to improve safety measures.
If this happened to me, would I need another surgery to fix it?
Yes, most likely. If a foreign object is found inside the body, it usually needs to be surgically removed. That means more recovery time, more hospital visits, and more emotional and physical stress. In some cases, the second surgery can be as serious—or even more complicated—than the first.
Can I take legal action if this happens to me?
Absolutely. Leaving a surgical item inside a patient is considered a serious medical error—a “never event.” If it causes harm, you have the right to file a complaint, seek compensation for your medical bills and pain, and demand accountability. Many patients also work with a medical malpractice attorney to understand their options.