Echoes of the Past: A Needle’s Long Wait Beneath the Skin
Nisha
Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, AIIMS, New Delhi, India.
Ashita Aggrawal
Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, AIIMS, New Delhi, India.
Manasi Deoghare
Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, AIIMS, New Delhi, India.
Ankita Singh
Department of Surgery, AIIMS, New Delhi, India.
Rajesh Kumari *
Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, AIIMS, New Delhi, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Never events” pertain to medical errors that are deemed unacceptable, such as the inadvertent retention of a foreign object in a patient following a surgical procedure. The incidence of these occurrences varies, as most data is derived from retrospective studies and case reports. Moreover, the reluctance to report such events due to their sensitive nature, confidentiality concerns, and potential legal ramifications hinders the publication of comprehensive data. However, these incidents serve as valuable learning opportunities for surgical teams to prevent future recurrences and ensure appropriate management. In this case study, we will discuss an instance involving a misplaced needle that was fortuitously discovered after a decade, yet inflicted prolonged suffering upon the patient.
Keywords: Retention of foreign objects, retained surgical instruments (RSI), medical negligence, episiotomy, retained needle