Swab Left Behind During Prostate Surgery

You May Be Entitled to Claim Compensation

Severe complications may result with a swab left behind during prostate surgery. Swabs should be counted before, during and after operations. But if a swab is left inside a patient, it may lead to infection, internal damage and even long term health issues.

A prostatectomy is a surgical procedure performed to remove part or all of the prostate gland, often due to prostate cancer or benign prostatic hyperplasia. While it is considered a safe and generally common procedure, surgical swabs left inside a patient pose a considerable risk. If there is a breach of duty by medical professionals, this can result in a medical negligence claim.

If you are considering making a claim for clinical negligence, Jefferies Claims may be able to help you. We work with lawyers who operate on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis.

Complications of Retained Swabs During a Prostatectomy

Infections and Sepsis

One of the most serious complications of a surgical swab left behind during prostate surgery is infection. If a swab is left inside the body, bacteria can quickly multiply. This opens the door to infections such as sepsis, a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical intervention.

Inflammation and Foreign Body Reaction

The body may recognise the swab as a foreign object, triggering an immune response. This can bring on chronic inflammation, abscess formation and severe pain. However, should a period of time pass, the inflammation may cause adhesions. This is where tissues abnormally stick together, leading to further complications.

Obstruction and Internal Damage

A swab left in the abdominal or pelvic cavity can obstruct the intestines or urinary tract, leading to difficulties with urination and bowel movements. This may see the patient in serious discomfort and requiring additional surgeries. This results in prolonged hospital stays.

Fistula Formation

A swab left being following a prostate operation may lead to the development of fistulas, which are abnormal connections between organs. Unfortunately, this can bring about urine or fecal leakage into areas where they do not belong. Again, this will need further surgeries and time spent in hospital.

Chronic Pain and Psychological Distress

Patients with retained surgical swabs often experience chronic pain, discomfort, and distress. The physical symptoms can significantly impact quality of life, while the psychological effects, including anxiety and depression, can be equally debilitating.

Symptoms Of A Swab Left Behind During Prostate Removal

Persistent Pain and Discomfort

One of the most common signs of a retained swab is ongoing pain and discomfort in the lower abdomen, pelvis, or surgical site. This pain may be dull, sharp, or radiating and can persist for weeks or even months after the surgery.

Swelling and Inflammation

Unexplained swelling, redness, or warmth around the surgical area may indicate the presence of an inflammatory response caused by the foreign object. In some cases, swelling can extend to surrounding tissues, causing additional complications.

Signs of Infection

A retained swab can cause severe infections, leading to symptoms such as fever, chills, night sweats, and increased white blood cell count. You may also experience pus or foul-smelling discharge which is a red flag something is wrong.

Urinary and Bowel Problems

Since the prostatectomy procedure involves the lower abdominal and pelvic region, a retained swab may press against nearby organs. You may experience urinary difficulties such as pain during urination, increased frequency, or even urinary retention. Similarly, bowel issues like constipation, bloating, or abnormal stool consistency may develop.

Fatigue And Weakness

A foreign object inside the body, such as a swab,  may cause inflammation. This results in chronic fatigue and a sense of unwellness. You may feel excessively tired, weak, or lethargic without understanding what is happening.

Delayed Healing and Surgical Site Complications

If a wound takes longer than expected to heal, or if the incision site shows signs of reopening, it could be due to an underlying infection or reaction to a retained swab. If you are experiencing om-going drainage or your wound is not healing, you seek immediate medical evaluation.

Gastrointestinal Distress

If the retained swab affects the intestines, you may experience nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, or severe bloating. These symptoms can have a distressing impact on your overall health.

Sepsis or Septic Shock

In extreme cases, a retained swab may cause a widespread infection, leading to sepsis. Symptoms include confusion, rapid heart rate, difficulty breathing, and dangerously low blood pressure. Sepsis is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment.

Next Steps To A ‘No Win, No Fee’ Claim

If you discover that you have had a swab left behind during prostate surgery, and this has caused you harm which could have been prevented, you may be entitled to claim compensation.

Jefferies Claims can guide you through the process and will ensure you receive all the support you need.

We work with experienced lawyers who operate on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis. Call us at 0333 358 3034 or visit Jefferies Claims Contact Page for a free confidential chat about a potential claim.