Taking Away More from Your Surgery than You'd Bargained For

Taking Away More from Your Surgery than You'd Bargained For

Following surgery on her neck, Lisa Worobey had recurrent infections and considerable pain. Finally, it was ascertained that the pain and infections were being caused by sponges and gauze that had been left in Worobey's neck by medical personnel during the surgery. The doctor had sewn up the incision leaving those articles inside of her body. Items such as the ones left in Worobey's neck are referred to as retained surgical instruments. A retained surgical instrument is any item that is left behind in a patient during surgery. When a patient has retained surgical instruments, the results include infection, injury, and usually further surgery. This is a clear case for medical malpractice attorneys in Pittsburgh.

Because the incidences of retained instruments are under-reported, it is difficult to ascertain just how often this occurs in the medical community, but conservative estimates put the rate at approximately 12.5% of surgeries. This is a staggering statistic when one considers that retained instruments can lead to internal bleeding or other serious dangers.


When a patient enters the operating room for surgery, there is a certain level of faith and trust put in the doctor and the other medical personnel. The understanding is that they will do everything that they can to properly care for the patient. Presumably, this includes getting an accurate count of instruments before and after the surgery. In the case of something so easily prevented as retained surgical instruments, the only explanation for its continued occurrence is negligence.

If you or a loved one has suffered the effects of medical negligence or medical malpractice, you owe it to yourself to talk with medical malpractice attorneys in the Pittsburgh area to determine if you have a malpractice suit. Medical malpractice attorneys have the expertise to discern the difference between a legitimate mistake and negligence. They also have the experience and background to know what responsibilities doctors and nurses are required to meet in medical settings. As a patient, you and your loved ones have rights that should always be protected whether you are being seen in a doctor's office, in a clinic, or in a hospital. Your medical malpractice attorneys can investigate to make sure that your rights were upheld and that all safety procedures in your Pittsburgh case were followed. If someone was negligent in your situation, your medical malpractice attorneys in Pittsburgh will also know how to build the most effective case.

Lisa Worobey suffered needlessly because her surgeon carelessly left behind items in her body. The doctors were able to retrieve the forgotten sponges and gauze, but only after months of infection and unexplained pain for Lisa. Lisa Worobey should never have suffered, and neither should you. Contact your medical malpractice attorneys in Pittsburgh to find the help that you need to get the compensation and relief that you deserve.


somekeyword - Medical malpractice attorneys Stewart, Murray & Associates are a team of seasoned, winning Pittsburgh lawyers who are "a powerful practice with a personal touch." The SM&A team represents clients with the philosophy that their case is more than just a legal situation. Visit us online at or call 1.888.9.SMALAW

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