How Surgical Sponges Can Cause Death
There are many types of medical malpractice, and one fairly common type of medical malpractice case arises when a surgical team fails to remove a sponge, tool, or other type of implement that was during surgery. When the surgery is thought to be complete, the surgeon closes the incision, leaving the item inside of the patient’s body, where it can cause many problems later on. Some items used during surgery are more likely to be left behind than others, with surgical sponges topping the list as the item which most frequently remains inside of patients’ bodies after surgery.
People who work in operating rooms know that surgical sponges absorb blood. When a sponge is filled with blood, it looks similar to the surrounding tissue. Because sponges do tend to blend in with parts of a patient’s body which are exposed during surgery, hospitals have developed procedures which require sponges to be counted as they are placed inside of a patient, and then counted again as they are removed. This procedure often involves the use of computers and bar code scanners, in addition to manual sponge counts. An accurate sponge count prior to closing an incision can ensure that no sponges remain inside of the patient.
Unfortunately, sponge counts are not always performed, nor are they always performed accurately. In operating rooms where both electronic and manual sponge counts are used, one or the other may be skipped. Sometimes, during lengthy surgeries, shift changes can take place among the operating room staff. X-rays are sometimes used to double-check sponge counts, and there are cases in which x-rays are never taken, or they are taken and then not reviewed to check for sponges.
There are many things which can happen to a patient when a surgical sponge remains inside of their body. When a sponge’s presence is discovered, a patient may undergo additional surgery to have it removed. These surgeries are not always successful, and so sponges may continue to remain in the body after multiple attempts to remove them. Pain, bowel obstruction, infection, longer healing time or incomplete healing, and even death, have all been traced to surgical sponges that were left behind. These are not the only complications which have been experienced; in fact, each patient’s experience can be somewhat unique. From hernias and scarring to severe infections that eventually overcome the patient and lead to their demise, surgical sponges can cause a wide variety of problems.
If you or someone that you love has been injured by a surgical sponge or tool that was left behind, it is essential that you get help from a Memphis Medical Malpractice Attorney right away. The knowledgeable Tennessee Medical Malpractice Attorneys at Bailey & Greer, PLLC are here to help you. We believe that the victims of medical negligence deserve top quality legal representation. To learn more about how we can help you, please call us at 901-680-9777 to schedule a time to discuss your case. At Bailey & Greer, PLLC, we are small enough to care, big enough to fight, and experienced enough to win.
Since graduating magna cum laude in 2005 from the University of Memphis School of Law, Thomas has helped make a difference in the lives of victims of serious personal injury, wrongful death, and professional negligence. Thomas has extensive trial experience in both state and federal court. Among other victories in the courtroom, Thomas obtained several impressive jury verdicts and settlements
Read more about Thomas R. Greer