A forgotten gauze swab--clinical and legal considerations.
In this report, we will present two cases of retained gauze swabs following open heart surgery. We will discuss diagnostic and treatment strategies as well as medicolegal implications with regard to individual liability and possible penalties according to the German law.
Schmid
C
C
Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University Hospital, Münster, Germany. schmid@uni-muenster.de
Krempel
S
S
Scheld
H H
HH
D000368:Aged; D006348:Cardiac Surgical Procedures / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D020878:Device Removal / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D004864:Equipment and Supplies; D005547:Foreign Bodies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008318:Malpractice / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D008482:Mediastinum