Obstruction due to foreign body accidentally left in body following surgical operation digital illustration

Obstruction due to foreign body accidentally left in body following surgical operation Save


ICD-10 code: T81.520

Chapter: Injury, poisoning and certain other consequences of external causes

Obstruction due to foreign body accidentally left in body following surgical operation

Obstruction due to foreign body accidentally left in the body following a surgical operation is a rare but serious complication that can occur after surgery. It occurs when a foreign object, such as a surgical instrument or sponge, is left inside the body at the end of a surgical procedure. This can lead to a range of symptoms, including pain, swelling, infection, and even death.

There are many reasons why a foreign object might be left in the body after surgery. For example, the surgeon may lose track of the number of instruments used during the procedure, or a sponge or other object may be accidentally dropped and not retrieved. In some cases, the object may be left intentionally, such as in the case of a surgical implant.

If you suspect that you have a foreign object left in your body after surgery, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Your doctor may order imaging tests, such as an X-ray or CT scan, to confirm the presence of a foreign object. In some cases, the object may be removed through a minimally invasive procedure, such as laparoscopy. In more severe cases, open surgery may be necessary to remove the object.

Preventing obstruction due to foreign body accidentally left in the body following surgical operation is extremely important. Surgeons must take great care to keep track of all instruments and objects used during a procedure, and to retrieve any that may be accidentally dropped or misplaced. Additionally, surgical teams must maintain clear communication and follow established protocols to ensure that all objects are accounted for at the end of the procedure.

  1. Always choose a qualified surgeon and surgical team.
  2. Be sure to ask questions about the procedure and any potential risks before undergoing surgery.
  3. Follow all pre- and post-operative instructions carefully to help minimize the risk of complications.
  4. If you experience any symptoms of obstruction following surgery, seek medical attention immediately.

In conclusion, obstruction due to foreign body accidentally left in the body following surgical operation is a rare but serious complication that can occur after surgery. If you suspect that you have a foreign object left in your body after surgery, seek medical attention immediately. To prevent this complication, surgeons and surgical teams must take great care to keep track of all instruments and objects used during a procedure, and to follow established protocols for accounting for them at the end of the procedure.