Medical and legal evaluations of the retained foreign bodies in Turkey
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 16, 2026
Handheld Metal Detector Screening for Metallic Foreign Body Ingestion in Children
Published on: September 11, 2018
Ali Riza Tumer1, Ahmet Cinar Yasti
1Department of Forensic Medicine, Hacettepe University School of Medicine, 3. Cad. 48. sokak 5/3, Bahcelievler, Ankara 06510, Turkey. tumeralir@hotmail.com
Abstract:
Like other countries, the physicians accusation that might be right or wrong, have increased nowadays in Turkey. Even all precautions are taken in the operation theatre, there are still some cases in which foreign bodies are retained in the abdominal cavity. It is not likely for the cases of retained foreign bodies in the abdominal cavity to be considered as an acceptable complication. Therefore, the surgeon must keep in mind that in such situations they are going to be judged as faulty both in the civil courts and in the courts of first instance. In this study incidences, causes and legal outcomes of the foreign bodies that are left behind in the abdominal cavity in Turkey are discussed.
Insights
Retained foreign bodies in the abdomen are an unacceptable complication despite precautions. This study examines the incidence, causes, and legal consequences of retained surgical items in Turkey, highlighting surgeon accountability.
Area of Science:
- Medical Law
- Surgical Complications
- Patient Safety
Background:
- Physician accusations regarding medical errors are increasing in Turkey.
- Retained foreign bodies in the abdominal cavity remain a concern despite surgical precautions.
- Such retained items are considered an unacceptable complication, leading to legal scrutiny.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incidence and causes of retained foreign bodies in the abdominal cavity in Turkey.
- To analyze the legal outcomes associated with these cases.
- To raise awareness among surgeons regarding potential legal ramifications.
Main Methods:
- Review of legal cases and medical records pertaining to retained foreign bodies in Turkey.
- Analysis of reported incidences and contributing factors.
- Examination of judicial decisions and their impact on surgical practice.
Main Results:
- Data on the frequency of retained foreign bodies in Turkish abdominal surgeries.
- Identification of common causes, such as surgical sponges or instruments.
- Overview of legal judgments, including civil and first-instance court outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Retained foreign bodies necessitate careful surgical practice and documentation.
- Surgeons face significant legal liability for such complications.
- Understanding legal outcomes is crucial for improving patient safety and surgical accountability in Turkey.
