Botched da Vinci Hysterectomy Procedure Leads to Retained Foreign Object

Case Overview

This case study delves into an incident involving an adult woman who underwent a hysterectomy procedure using the da Vinci surgical system. Following the surgery, it was discovered that a syringe bulb had been inadvertently left inside her body.

The plaintiff alleges that the physician conducting the operation is responsible for this oversight. However, the defense counters this claim by stating that due to the design and operation of the da Vinci system, the doctor was positioned behind the machine and could not visually confirm whether all surgical instruments were removed before closing up the patient.

Questions to the OBGYN expert and their responses

Please describe your knowledge and background in the da Vinci surgical systems, specifically as it pertains to the construction and operation of the machine.

I am a fellowship-trained gynecologic surgeon with over 15 years of experience in minimally invasive gynecological procedures. My professional journey includes serving as a proctor for Intuitive Surgical, where I trained other surgeons on how to use da Vinci surgical robots.

Additionally, I have been teaching nationally and internationally about complications associated with laparoscopic and robotic surgery and methods to avoid them. The da Vinci surgical system typically consists of a surgical console and workstation which I have used extensively throughout my career.

Briefly, what protocols should be in place when using the da Vinci to mitigate similar situations?

When utilizing the da Vinci surgical system, there are several safety protocols designed to prevent incidents like this one. A crucial part of these protocols involves double-checking and even triple-checking to ensure all surgical instruments are accounted for and removed from the patient's body before closure. This process helps maintain patient safety by preventing retained foreign objects post-surgery.

Have you ever reviewed a similar case? If yes, please elaborate.

As an expert witness specializing in da Vinci surgical systems, I have reviewed numerous cases involving various complications. However, each case is unique and requires a thorough examination of the specific circumstances and procedures followed.

About the expert

This expert is a seasoned professional in obstetrics and gynecology, with over 15 years of specialization in minimally invasive gynecology. They have held significant positions such as an assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology, program director of minimally invasive gynecology at a renowned medical center, and chair of robotic surgery at another prominent medical center. Currently, they serve as an associate professor and the director of a minimally invasive gynecologic surgery fellowship program at a top-tier medical school, while also holding adjunct and visiting professorships internationally, further demonstrating their extensive expertise relevant to this case study.

E-006830

Specialties:

OBGYN

About the author

Wendy Ketner, M.D.

Dr. Wendy Ketner is a distinguished medical professional with a comprehensive background in surgery and medical research. Currently serving as the Senior Vice President of Medical Affairs at the Expert Institute, she plays a pivotal role in overseeing the organization's most important client relationships. Dr. Ketner's extensive surgical training was completed at Mount Sinai Beth Israel, where she gained hands-on experience in various general surgery procedures, including hernia repairs, cholecystectomies, appendectomies, mastectomies for breast cancer, breast reconstruction, surgical oncology, vascular surgery, and colorectal surgery. She also provided care in the surgical intensive care unit.

Her research interests have focused on post-mastectomy reconstruction and the surgical treatment of gastric cancer, including co-authoring a textbook chapter on the subject. Additionally, she has contributed to research on the percutaneous delivery of stem cells following myocardial infarction.

Dr. Ketner's educational background includes a Bachelor's degree from Yale University in Latin American Studies and a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) from SUNY Downstate College of Medicine. Moreover, she is a member of the Board of Advisors for Opollo Technologies, a fintech healthcare AI company, contributing her medical expertise to enhance healthcare technology solutions. Her role at Expert Institute involves leveraging her medical knowledge to provide insights into legal cases, underscoring her unique blend of medical and legal acumen.