FOI Request
- Disclosure ID
- FOI/03485
- Request Date
- January 2, 2020
- Subject
- Surgical Instruments Left In Body
- Description
1). The number of instances in which a surgical instrument has been left inside a patient’s body following a surgical procedure between 2015 and 2019 (up to present day and itemised by year).
2). The type of instruments found during this time and where in the body they were discovered.
3). The surgical procedure that was taking place when instrument was left inside body.
4). The patient’s outcome, i.e. if anyone has become seriously ill as a result of leaving an surgical instrument inside the body of a patient or if anyone has died as a result of leaving a surgical instrument inside the body of a patient. (if this exceeds the scope of the request please inform me before omitting it).
5). How many people have taken legal action against the Trust as a result of a surgeon leaving a surgical instrument inside the body of a patient. (if this exceeds the scope of the request please inform me before omitting it).
- Response
1). 2015 – 1 Instrument
2016 – 1 Instrument
2017 – 0
2018 – 0
2019 – 1 Instrument
2). 2015 – Non-locking drill bit – Distal end of femur
2016 – Sponge part of an adapted surgical instrument – Vagina
2019 – Superficial drain part – Sternum
3). 2015 – Surgery to repair a fractured femur
2016 – Total laparoscopic hysterectomy & bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy
2019 – Sternal wound closure
4). All patients made a full recovery with no reported complications.
5). NHSR deal with negligence claims and therefore this question needs to be referred to them.