Safe practices in neurosurgery?

Having worked in and visited a number of neurosurgical theatres, I was surprised at how greatly the practice of accounting for swabs, patties and other such items differs from one hospital to another. I intended to revise the swab policy within my own theatre, and felt that it was necessary to establish what safety measures were being taken in other neurosurgical theatres throughout the country. This small study was not intended as a formal piece of research but to assist in identifying safe practices common to neurosurgical theatres. The results show that practices in many neurosurgical theatres are varied, and fall short of the safeguards laid down by our nursing and medical professional bodies. This is particularly worrying when claims involving retained swabs and instruments are brought more often than for any other surgical damage. Guidelines and recommendations for safe practices in the operating room have been widely accepted for decades and are often referred to in a court of law when a case for damages is brought. This small study looks at the practice of accounting for swabs, needles and other 'countable' items in neurosurgical theatres throughout England, Scotland and Wales.