Though retained surgical items (RSIs) cases are rare, they do happen, and they take a heavy toll throughout the system in terms of steep fines, malpractice claims, and compromised patient safety. Estimates of RSIs range from 1 in 1,000 to 1 in 7,000 procedures. And a 2003 study by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality found that patients with RSIs had a mortality rate 2.14% higher than controls, excess hospital stays of 2.08 days, and excess costs of $13,315.
