title: Prevention of retained surgical items.
abstract: Reduction in retained surgical items is an important part of any operating room patient-safety effort. Any item used in an operation can result in a retained surgical item, but sponges are the most frequent and the abdomen is the most common location. Retained sponges can cause significant morbidity, and the costs associated with both prevention and treatment of retained surgical items, including legal costs, can be considerable. This review will examine counting, teamwork, radiography, and new technology as methods used to prevent retained surgical items. Even though none of these techniques individually is likely to completely prevent retained surgical items, when used together the numbers can be reduced.
authors: Hospitals Insurance Company, Inc., New York, NY, USA. dfeldman@fojp.com
authors: David L
authors: DL
authors: Feldman
mesh_terms: D001330:Electronic Data Processing; D005547:Foreign Bodies / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D019300:Medical Errors / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control*; D057233:Radio Frequency Identification Device; D011859:Radiography; D017751:Safety Management; D015503:Surgical Sponges / Q000009:adverse effects*