Counting difficulties: retained instruments, sponges, and needles.

Patients in whom a sponge or instruments is left after surgery may suffer complications including pain, infection, abscess, or intestinal obstruction. Consequences or retained items for surgical team members may include malpractice lawsuits and adverse actions from the National Practitioner Data Bank and state licensing board. Adherence to AORN recommended practices for counting and facility counting policies can protect both patients and practitioners.