Prevention
When it comes to preventing the need for a second surgery and reducing the potential risks associated with surgical instruments, professionals widely agree that prevention is the best approach. While some hospitals have implemented protocols that require four counts of surgical instruments during a procedure, human error can still occur. Moreover, these additional counts may prolong the patient’s time under anesthesia.
Fortunately, modern technology has introduced more reliable methods for preventing retained surgical items. One such technique involves the use of scanners to perform a technological count of each object used during the surgery. This method has shown promising results in improving accuracy and reducing the chances of leaving instruments inside the patient.
Furthermore, certain institutions have adopted the practice of radio-frequency tagging for specific surgical objects. This tagging system enables easier tracking and identification of instruments throughout the surgical process, further enhancing the prevention of retained items.
Consequences for the Hospital
Hospitals are not exempt from the repercussions of retained surgical items, although the most obvious and severe effects are experienced by the patients. The impact on hospitals can vary depending on the reporting requirements set by each state. According to a report by USA Today, malpractice lawsuits arising from retained objects can result in a financial burden of $100,000 to $200,000 per case for hospitals. This cost does not even account for the damage to the hospital’s reputation. Surprisingly, despite these consequences, only a few medical institutions have taken advantage of new technologies to mitigate the risk, and there is still no nationwide mandate for reporting such incidents.