Forgotten Surgical Knife Found in Patient’s Shoulder at Ichilov Hospital After Months of Pain

A 40-year-old Tel Aviv resident was shocked to discover that surgeons left a knife blade inside his shoulder following an operation at Ichilov Medical Center. The foreign object was detected during a follow-up CT scan four months after he underwent surgery for injuries sustained in a car accident on the Ayalon Highway. The patient, who was hospitalized for three days after the procedure, had been suffering from worsening pain despite medical reassurances that his recovery was progressing normally.

His wife recounted that multiple doctors dismissed his complaints, even suggesting psychological treatment due to the persistent pain. The CT scan conducted recently revealed the blade, prompting immediate hospitalization and surgery to remove it. The surgeon and department head admitted the knife was not used during the initial operation and acknowledged it was a case of negligence, expressing shock and regret.

The incident was reported to the Ministry of Health, and Ichilov Medical Center stated that the patient underwent surgery promptly to remove the blade and is not expected to suffer long-term damage. The hospital confirmed a full investigation will be conducted to prevent similar occurrences. The patient’s family described the emotional and financial toll, with the wife now working extra hours to support their two children while coping with the husband’s ongoing pain and trauma.