Callahan & Binkley, PLC

How Often Are Medical Supplies Left In After Surgeries?

  • By: Patrick “Shea” Callahan, Esq.
  • Published: January 25, 2021

When most people go into surgery, they are doing so to fix an issue, but there are times when a patient will come out in worse condition compared to when they first entered the hospital. Unfortunately, one of the situations that can harm a patient occurs when a medical professional forgets surgical instruments within the person’s body. Although easily prevented, it does happen to many people across Tennessee and the rest of the United States. Read on to explore further into how and what medical supplies are left in a person’s body post-surgery.

Types Of Objects Left Inside Patients

The type of medical equipment left within a patient is going to be determined by the type of surgery being performed. However, the average number of tools used during surgery is over 250. This creates a large number of opportunities for a tool to remain within a patient. The following are just some of the tools that have been reported to remain inside a patient:

  • Tweezers
  • Sponges
  • Needles
  • Measuring devices

Is There Danger Involved?

The human body is very picky in what it chooses to allow within it. That is why patients are likely to feel some form of discomfort within hours of their surgery. Unfortunately, much of that is attributed to the surgery recovery, so medical professionals won’t take a second look at it. In some cases, that type of neglect leads to a medical malpractice lawsuit being filed against the hospital and the surgeons involved. Therefore, it is important to understand the signs of a medical tool left within a person. Here are just a few of those signs:

  • Swelling
  • Severe pain
  • Digestive issues
  • Intense fever

Medical supplies left within a patient are, unfortunately, more common than people think. If you have been a victim of this type of medical error, you may want to consult with an attorney as soon as possible.

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