In November 2010, a patient underwent surgery for stomach cancer and experienced abdominal pain and a fever shortly after the procedure. An X-ray and CT scan showed an 8-inch-long retractor was left inside the patient. The next day, the patient underwent emergency surgery, at which point physicians confirmed the retained object caused an abscess, infected abdominal cavity and sepsis.
Scott & White implemented changes to prevent similar occurrences in the future. The hospital reportedly also offered a settlement to the patient in March, but that offer was turned down. The patient has since filed a lawsuit against the hospital, alleging the surgical error caused continuing health complications. Scott & White denied the complications were a result of the surgical error.
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