Surgical Sponge Left Inside Northwestern Medicine McHenry Hospital Patient: Lawsuit
Medical Malpractice Alleged
A lawsuit has been filed against Northwestern Medicine McHenry Hospital, alleging that a surgical sponge was negligently left inside a patient after surgery. The complaint was filed in McHenry County Circuit Court.
Background
Frank Kryzak, who was being treated for cancer, underwent surgical left neck exploration, excision of a cervical mass, and lymph node dissection on January 31, 2023. According to his attorneys, Bobber, Teich & Pippin, Kryzak continued to experience significant unexplained swelling in his neck and drainage from his surgical wound in the weeks and months following the surgery.
Second Surgery
Kryzak sought the opinion of a different surgeon and on May 31, underwent a second surgery to determine the cause of his symptoms. The surgeon performing that procedure found and removed a surgical sponge from the initial surgery.
Lawsuit Allegations
The medical malpractice lawsuit alleges that Meredith Gardner, a surgical technologist, nurse Elizabeth Romanes, and the doctor who performed the surgery, Dr. Aqeel Sandhu, failed to ensure all sponges were accounted for and did not follow procedures and protocol pertaining to a sponge count. The lawsuit also alleges that Dr. Sandhu failed to schedule follow-up visits or properly investigate the cause of the swelling and other symptoms.
Defense
Defense attorneys allege that Dr. Sandhu, who performed the initial surgery, failed to schedule follow-up visits or properly investigate the cause of the swelling and other symptoms.
Injuries and Damages
Kryzak’s attorneys stated that he did not undergo any surgical procedures or other events that could have resulted in a retained surgical sponge prior to May 31. The lawsuit alleges that the cause of what occurred was “within the exclusive control of the defendants.” As a result, Kryzak sustained serious and permanent injury, experienced and will in the future experience significant pain and suffering, disability, and loss of a normal life, incurred and will in the future incur medical expenses, and experienced delay in his medical care.
Conclusion
The lawsuit highlights the importance of proper surgical procedures and protocols to ensure patient safety. It also underscores the need for medical professionals to follow established guidelines to prevent medical errors.
FAQs
Q: What is the alleged medical malpractice in this case?
A: The lawsuit alleges that a surgical sponge was left inside the patient after surgery, which was not properly counted or accounted for.
Q: Who is responsible for the alleged medical malpractice?
A: The lawsuit names Meredith Gardner, a surgical technologist, nurse Elizabeth Romanes, and Dr. Aqeel Sandhu, the doctor who performed the surgery, as defendants.
Q: What are the alleged injuries and damages suffered by the patient?
A: The lawsuit alleges that the patient sustained serious and permanent injury, experienced and will in the future experience significant pain and suffering, disability, and loss of a normal life, incurred and will in the future incur medical expenses, and experienced delay in his medical care.
Q: What is the purpose of the lawsuit?
A: The lawsuit seeks compensation for the patient’s injuries and damages, as well as to hold the defendants accountable for their alleged medical malpractice.
