News Inferno; October 18, 2013

So-called “retained surgical items,” including sponges and other surgical implements, being left behind during surgery are not necessarily a rare occurrence, according to a watchdog group.

The Joint Commission is asking hospitals nationwide to try and put an end to retained surgical items—also known as retained foreign objects—according to HealthDay News. “Leaving a foreign object after surgery is a well-known problem, but one that can be prevented,” Dr. Ana McKee, the Commission’s executive vice president and chief medical officer, said. The Commission sees this as a too-common problem that can be deadly or significantly damaging to patients minds and bodies, HealthDay News wrote.

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