At first, you may think new aches or unusual sensations after surgery are just part of healing. But as weeks pass and discomfort grows or new symptoms appear, a lingering worry sets in.
If you experience new, chronic health issues after surgery that cannot be explained by your current medical condition, it is crucial to consider the possibility of a serious error during your procedure. This might involve a forgotten surgical item, which can have significant long-term effects on your well-being.
What might doctors leave behind during surgery?
Surgical teams use many tools and materials during operations. The most common items accidentally left inside patients include surgical sponges, gauze pads, needles, scalpel blades and clamps. These foreign objects can cause infections, internal bleeding, organ damage and chronic pain.
Medical professionals call this a “retained foreign objects (RFO)” incident. Such an event represents clear medical negligence, as proper counting procedures should prevent it entirely.
Signs you may have a retained foreign object
Your body will often signal when something foreign remains inside. Watch for these warning signs:
- Severe abdominal or surgical site pain
- Fever or chills that do not go away
- Unusual swelling or lumps near the surgical area
- Persistent infections or slow healing
- Nausea or vomiting
- Changes in bowel or bladder function
These symptoms can appear days, weeks or even months after your original surgery. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.
Medical malpractice and your rights
If you suspect a surgeon left an item inside you, you may have grounds for a medical malpractice claim. Doctors must provide competent care, and they breach this duty when they fail to remove all surgical items.
In Ohio, patients generally have one year to file medical malpractice lawsuits from the date they discover the injury or when they reasonably should have discovered it. This legal recourse allows you to recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering caused by your injury.
Taking action
The idea of pursuing legal action may feel overwhelming. Still, you have a right to hold medical professionals accountable when their negligence causes you harm. An experienced medical malpractice attorney can help you seek the compensation you deserve.