Dangerous Objects Can Be Retained After New Hampshire Surgeries

Advances in medical technology have made crucial surgeries more successful and safer than ever. However, surgery is not without its risks. One of the significant things that can happen after surgery is retained objects in a patient's body, which can cause severe or life-threatening injuries.

When surgery is performed, doctors and nurses often place objects such as sponges and tools inside the patient's body to aid in the procedure. It is standard for these objects to be removed after the surgery; however, negligent medical professionals sometimes neglect to do so.

Some of the objects that are commonly retained in patients' bodies after surgery include sponges, gauze, and cotton swabs. There is also the chance that pins, blades, scissors, and other tools are retained.

These objects can pose a significant risk to the patient after a surgery. These tools may puncture blood vessels or organs, and can cause damage to muscles and bone joints. These foreign objects may also cause serious infections after the surgery, which can be life-threatening to the patient.

Retained objects after surgery are alarmingly common, occurring in as many as one out of every 1,000 instances. It is especially common in surgeries that have long durations when multiple teams are performing the procedure, as well as in patients with high body mass.

Even when the chance of retained objects after surgery is increased by modifying circumstances, it is a cut-and-dry case of New Hampshire medical malpractice. The doctors and nurses need to be aware of removing all foreign objects after performing a surgery, and should be held responsible for their negligence if they fail to do so.

Patients of surgeries that retain foreign objects in their body are likely eligible to recover damages for the negligence of the hospital staff. This financial compensation may cover additional surgeries performed to remove objects, treatment for infections, missed time at work for follow-up care, and much more.

If you or a loved one has been injured by retained objects after a VT or NH surgery, you should contact a New Hampshire medical malpractice attorney to learn more about your legal rights. Contact us toll free at (877) 611-9622 for a free consultation about your case.