The University of Michigan Health System has created a new system using state-of-the-art technologies to ensure foreign objects are not left in patients during surgery.
Some of the methods to prevent retained surgical objects include bar-coded sponges and electronic radiology orders. Sponges are the most frequent item to be left behind after surgery, but with bar-coded sponges, computers help do the counting. Bar codes are scanned when sponges are used and scanned again when they're taken out of the body. If there's a count discrepancy, the surgeon knows to search the surgical field for something that may have been overlooked.
Also, electronic radiology orders rely on X-rays to find retained items while the patient is still in the operating room. The X-rays can help OR teams locate both metal items and soft goods.
"The University of Michigan is leading the way in reducing retained foreign objects in the operating room," said Ella Kazerooni, MD, professor of radiology at the University of Michigan and associate chair of clinical affairs at the U-M Health System. "It's a combination of using new technologies as well as culture change, teamwork and collaboration that's making it possible."
Some of the methods to prevent retained surgical objects include bar-coded sponges and electronic radiology orders. Sponges are the most frequent item to be left behind after surgery, but with bar-coded sponges, computers help do the counting. Bar codes are scanned when sponges are used and scanned again when they're taken out of the body. If there's a count discrepancy, the surgeon knows to search the surgical field for something that may have been overlooked.
Also, electronic radiology orders rely on X-rays to find retained items while the patient is still in the operating room. The X-rays can help OR teams locate both metal items and soft goods.
"The University of Michigan is leading the way in reducing retained foreign objects in the operating room," said Ella Kazerooni, MD, professor of radiology at the University of Michigan and associate chair of clinical affairs at the U-M Health System. "It's a combination of using new technologies as well as culture change, teamwork and collaboration that's making it possible."
Related Articles on Retained Foreign Objects:
Multidisciplinary Approach for Retained Objects Halved Incorrect Counts in One Year
Study Reveals Variability in Surgical Count Policies and Practices
North Florida Regional Surgeon Disciplined for Retained Foreign Object Case in 2010