A medical malpractice lawsuit has been filed against Northwestern Medicine McHenry Hospital, alleging that a surgical sponge was mistakenly left inside a patient after an operation.
The complaint, submitted to the McHenry County Circuit Court by the Chicago-based law firm Bobber, Teich & Pippin, represents 71-year-old Frank Kryzak. Kryzak, who was undergoing cancer treatment, had surgery on January 31, 2023, which involved exploring the left side of his neck, removing a cervical mass, and performing a lymph node dissection.
Dr. Aqeel Sandhu performed the procedure, assisted by surgical technologist Meredith Gardner and registered nurse Elizabeth Romanes. However, in the weeks and months that followed, Kryzak reportedly suffered from persistent swelling and discharge from his surgical wound, with no clear explanation for the symptoms.
Seeking further medical evaluation, Kryzak consulted another surgeon and underwent a second procedure on May 31, 2023, to determine the cause of his ongoing issues. During this surgery, doctors discovered and removed a surgical sponge that had been left behind from the initial operation.
The lawsuit claims that Sandhu, Gardner, and Romanes failed to follow standard surgical protocols by neglecting to perform an accurate sponge count, which would have prevented the retained object. Additionally, it alleges that Dr. Sandhu did not schedule appropriate follow-up visits or investigate the cause of Kryzak’s persistent symptoms.
As a result of this medical oversight, Kryzak endured unnecessary pain, required a second surgery, and faced delays in his cancer treatment. His attorneys argue that the medical team’s negligence caused him significant suffering and lasting physical harm.
The lawsuit emphasizes that Kryzak had no additional surgical procedures or incidents between the two operations that could have led to the retained sponge, placing full responsibility on the defendants.
“As a direct result of this error, the plaintiff has suffered serious and permanent injuries, ongoing pain and suffering, disability, and a diminished quality of life. Additionally, he has incurred and will continue to incur medical expenses,” the complaint states.
The lawsuit seeks financial compensation exceeding the jurisdictional limits, and the first court hearing is scheduled for May 1.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Sai Sindhuja K/MSM)