Analysis of events reported January 2014 through December 2015 revealed 112 RSIs that met the definitions of both the National Quality Forum and the Joint Commission, and an additional 16 that met the Joint Commission definition alone, for a total of 128 RSIs. Authority analysts found surgical sponges were the most commonly retained item, followed by small miscellaneous items such as screws. Most RSIs were left behind in the abdomen and pelvis, followed by the vagina and chest. Analysts estimate that 1 to 2 RSIs occur per 100,000 patient procedures. Device fragments, such as broken drill bits or needle tips, could not be retrieved in 57 additional surgical cases.
Excerpted from: Wallace SC. Retained surgical Items: events and guidelines revisited. 2017 Mar. http://patientsafety.pa.gov/ADVISORIES/Pages/201703_RSI.aspx.
Figure 1. Retained Surgical Items as Reported to the Pennsylvania Patient Safety Authority
Notes: As reported through the Pennsylvania Patient Safety Reporting System, January 2014 through December 2015.
Figure 2. Body Site of Retained Surgical Item
Notes: Data reported through the Pennsylvania Patient Safety Reporting System from January 2014 through December 2015; as defined by the National Quality Forum and the Joint Commission. Not all RSI events involved female patients.