What To Do If Your Doctors Discover a Retained Surgical Item

Surgery is never an easy thing to deal with, but for most people, when it’s completed, recovery can begin. Sometimes, however, recovery is unable to begin for those who have just undergone surgery because materials from the surgery were left inside of them. It’s a terrifying thought for many, but it is an unfortunate reality for those that have been left with a retained surgical item.

Although it is rare, there are items that are commonly left behind inside the patient. Sponges, rags, and even metal surgical tools can be accidentally placed inside a person before the wound is sealed. Most of the time, this is noticeable by the patient immediately, but it is often misappropriated. Pain after a surgery is normal, so the first thought a patient has is rarely that an item has been left behind. Medical imaging tools can identify an object fairly easily, so if the pain is abnormal or lingers far longer than normal, you should alert the hospital immediately.

Legally speaking, you certainly have options after the surgical item has been removed. A botched surgery like that is obvious grounds for a medical malpractice lawsuit. This kind of lawsuit is a great way to recover some of the medical expenses that were lost to remove the retained surgical item and compensate you for pain and suffering. While such a case would be very simply won, it would not be a good idea to go through it alone.

Instead, we at the Franco Law Firm are here to help you file your medical malpractice suit and ensure that your case ends in victory. If you or someone you know has been the victim of a retained surgical item, feel free to call us any time at (813) 872-0929 and we’d be happy to schedule a free consultation today.