Tools Left in the Body after Surgery

Many patients are wary about surgery because of the inherent risks that come with certain surgical procedures. Most of the time, skilled surgeons take a great deal of care during procedures, and the patient fully recovers from his or her ailments.

Unfortunately, some surgeons or nurses may act negligently and leave surgical tools in a patient’s body. If you or someone you love has been a victim of surgical tools left in the body, contact the Kankakee medical malpractice lawyers of Spiros Law, P.C. at 815-929-9292 for a free initial consultation.

How Surgical Tools are Left in the Body

Surgical procedures usually require the surgeon to use multiple scalpels, clamps, sponges, and other tools to successfully perform the surgery. Many surgeons count the number of instruments they go into the operating room with and count their tools again after the procedure is complete.

Unfortunately, some surgeons neglect to do this, potentially resulting in a surgical tool left inside the body. Statistics show that overweight individuals are more likely to have tools left in their bodies than are others, especially in the abdominal cavity. Sponges are the most commonly left behind surgical tool. Due to their composure, sponges may be especially difficult to detect since they do not show up on x-rays.

Depending on the type of tool left in the body, the potential complications could include serious infections, punctured organs, and further surgery to remove the instrument.

Contact Us

When you undergo surgery, you deserve to walk away from the procedure without tools left in your body. If you or your loved one had tools left in the body after a surgical procedure, contact the Kankakee medical malpractice attorneys of Spiros Law, P.C. at 815-929-9292 to learn more about your legal rights.