Related Experiment Videos
Retained surgical sponges (gossypiboma)
Kamal E Bani-Hani1, Kamal A Gharaibeh, Rami J Yaghan
1Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdullah University Hospital, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan. banihani60@yahoo.com
Asian Journal of Surgery
|April 27, 2005
Summary
Retained surgical sponges, though rare, occur more often in obese patients and after emergency procedures. Improved surgical counting and training are crucial to minimize this preventable medical error.
Area of Science:
- Medical research
- Surgical safety
- Radiology
Background:
- Retained surgical sponges are infrequently reported due to medicolegal concerns.
- Surgeons and radiologists must be aware of retained sponges to prevent patient harm.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present the experience with retained surgical sponges.
- To review the existing literature on this surgical complication.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective review of 11 patient medical records diagnosed with retained surgical sponges between 1990 and 2003.
- Analysis of patient demographics, original surgical procedures, time to diagnosis, and outcomes.
Main Results:
- The incidence of retained sponges was 1:5,027 inpatient operations.
- Obesity and emergency surgery were identified as risk factors.
- The median time to diagnosis was 12 months, with initial misdiagnoses including intestinal obstruction and tumor recurrence.
Conclusions:
- Retained surgical sponges remain a risk, particularly in obese patients and after emergency surgeries.
- High clinical suspicion is vital for preoperative diagnosis.
- While radio-opaque sponges and meticulous counting are employed, continuous training and adherence to protocols are essential to reduce incidence.