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Three years evaluation of retained foreign bodies after surgery in Iran
Mohammad Zarenezhad1, Saeed Gholamzadeh2, Arya Hedjazi2
1Legal Medicine Research Center, Legal Medicine Organization, Tehran and Member of Gastroenterohepatology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
Background:
Medical errors such as retained foreign bodies (RFB) during surgery are not well studied. To define risk factors associated with this type of error, we performed retrospective study.
Methods:
We reviewed medical records for unintentional foreign object remaining in the body during surgery such as gender, age, surgery ward, and incident reports referred to several forensic medicine administrations as well as adverse effects of retained foreign bodies and methods for detection of them over a 3-years period from January 2008 through May 2011.
Results:
Thirty eight patients were involved in the study to have retained foreign bodies (73% sponges and 27% other instruments including 7 (18.42%) cases of other bandages, 2 cases (5.26%) of scissor and 1 case (2.63%) of forceps). The general surgery ward was most commonly involved (47%) followed by the gynecology surgery ward (34%). Men (58%) were more involved with RFB than women (42%).
Conclusion:
Considering the most frequent type of retained foreign bodies and also more frequent involved surgery wards besides detection methods for RFB, a mixed of preventing protocols such as regular counting of devices, post-operative X-ray with radiopaque markers and exact evaluation of surgery site should be employed to reduce the occurrence of retained foreign bodies and its complications.
Insights
Retained foreign bodies (RFB) after surgery are a significant medical error. This study identified sponges as the most common RFB, with general surgery wards having the highest incidence, and men being more affected.
Area of Science:
- Medical Safety
- Surgical Complications
- Risk Factor Analysis
Background:
- Retained foreign bodies (RFB) during surgery represent a poorly understood medical error.
- This study aimed to identify risk factors associated with RFB to improve patient safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To define risk factors associated with retained foreign bodies (RFB) during surgical procedures.
- To analyze the types of retained foreign bodies, involved surgical wards, and patient demographics.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of medical records from January 2008 to May 2011.
- Analysis of patient demographics, surgery ward, incident reports, and RFB detection methods.
Main Results:
- Thirty-eight patients experienced RFB, with sponges accounting for 73% and other instruments 27%.
- General surgery (47%) and gynecology (34%) wards were most frequently involved.
- Men (58%) were more affected by RFB than women (42%).
Conclusions:
- Implementing preventative protocols is crucial to reduce RFB occurrence.
- Recommended protocols include regular device counting, post-operative X-rays with radiopaque markers, and thorough surgical site evaluation.
