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Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2001; 49(3): 191-193
DOI: 10.1055/s-2001-14298
Special Report
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

A Forgotten Gauze Swab - Clinical and Legal Considerations

C. Schmid1 , S. Krempel2 , H. H. Scheld1
  • 1Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University Hospital, Münster, Germany
  • 2Lawyer, Saarbrücken, Germany
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
31 December 2001 (online)

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In this report, we will present two cases of retained gauze swabs following open heart surgery. We will discuss diagnostic and treatment strategies as well as medicolegal implications with regard to individual liability and possible penalties according to the German law.

Key words:

Foreign body - Surgery - Malpractice

References

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PD Dr. med. Christof Schmid

Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery
University Hospital

Albert-Schweitzer-Straße 33, 48419 Münster
Germany

Phone: + 49-251-8357412

Fax: + 49-251-8348316

Email: schmid@uni-muenster.de