Presentation
Post operative case obviously not from our institution ;) . exploratory laparotomy was done.
Patient Data
Age: 55 year
Gender: Female
From the case:
Retained retractor
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A retained malleable surgical retractor is visualized in the abdomen and pelvis.
Case Discussion
Retained surgical items (RSIs) are an extreme and obvious example of a medical negligence. Medicolegally, these cases are described by the doctrine of "res ipsa loquitur" which is Latin for "the thing speaks for itself." This means that a breach in duty or care can be inferred directly from the very nature of the event without knowing the circumstances, intent, or actions of the defendant. Unintentionally leaving a surgical instrument or item within a patient is simply "no defense to surgeon".
Take home message
- RSI is a profound surgical negligence.
- RSI increase post-operative mortality and morbidity.
- count and recount your surgical instruments before and after application its the "simplest" technique to avoid RSI incidences.
- there is no harm in taking a post operative portable x ray.
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