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Related Experiment Videos

The retained surgical sponge

C W Kaiser1, S Friedman, K P Spurling

  • 1Department of Surgery, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Centre, Manchester, NH 03104, USA.

Annals of Surgery
|July 1, 1996
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

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Retained surgical sponges are more common than reported, especially after abdominal procedures where counts are often falsely correct. Surgeons should verify sponge counts and perform wound explorations to prevent retained surgical items.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Malpractice
  • Surgical Safety
  • Patient Outcomes

Background:

  • Retained surgical sponges are a rare but significant complication.
  • These events can lead to patient harm and substantial financial costs.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the frequency and outcomes of retained surgical sponges.
  • To analyze claims data related to retained foreign bodies in surgical procedures.

Main Methods:

  • Review of closed case records from a medical professional liability insurer.
  • Analysis of claims involving retained surgical sponges over a 7-year period.

Main Results:

  • Retained sponges accounted for 48% of all retained foreign body claims.

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  • Falsely correct sponge counts occurred in 76% of abdominal procedure claims.
  • Indemnity payments and defense costs totaled over $2.6 million.

    • Conclusions:

    • Retained surgical sponges occur more frequently than typically reported.
    • Recommendations include mandatory sponge counts for high-risk procedures and surgeon verification of counts.
    • Standardized indemnity payments are suggested due to similar patient outcomes.