The exact number is unknown, but according to Science Daily and Annals of Surgery, surgical objects are left behind in the body once in every 5,000 surgeries, on an average. Some studies have shown incidences of one in 1,000 surgeries. Many figures account for at least 1,500 people annually.
At Steve German, A Law Firm, in Scottsdale, we offer a free consultation in cases of possible medical malpractice. Call 480-607-9166 to arrange a time to meet with us.
Retained objects often include towels, tubes, instruments, sharp objects, wires and sponges and can cause pain, infection, abscess, fistula and/or intestinal obstruction and in some cases can even prove fatal. Sharp objects can slice internal flesh and puncture organs causing internal bleeding.
More and more precautions are being taken to ensure that equipment is properly accounted for before ending a procedure, including timeouts to ensure proper marking prior to operation and bar codes to account for instruments. Still, many of these precautions are sidestepped, and when this happens disaster can strike.
If you or a loved one has suffered injury due to a surgical mistake — before, during or after surgery — or another form of medical negligence, it's important that you are compensated.
Phoenix Foreign Objects In Body Attorney
We are committed to bringing our comprehensive experience in medical malpractice issues to understand all of your case details and do everything we can to obtain compensation for your injury in settlement or litigation. As a society, we place great trust in our medical professionals. It's always tragic when procedures go wrong resulting in injury or death. Because we believe we can improve the quality of life of the victims while bolstering medical accountability, we consider it our obligation as attorneys.
To discuss any surgical objects left in the body after surgery with one of our Arizona lawyers, including sponges left inside after surgery, call 480-607-9166 or email us here for a free initial consultation.
