Man Says Hospital Left Sponge in Shoulder

NORFOLK, Neb. – An man who claims a sponge was left in his shoulder following a surgery at Faith Regional Health Services is suing the hospital.

Herman Koehler is suing for more than $75,000, alleging Faith Regional nurses neglected to remove a sponge from his left shoulder after arthroscopic surgery in June 2003.

Following surgery, Koehler had pain and an excessive amount of drainage in the area of the incision, the lawsuit said. The sponge was found during an examination, the lawsuit said.

Koehler’s lawsuit contends that the infection and further damage to the shoulder has resulted in additional medical bills of about $45,000 and lost income of about $30,000.

Koehler also says he has a permanent injury, disability and impaired earning potential.

A call to Faith Regional seeking comment Wednesday was not immediately returned.

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Information from: Norfolk Daily News, http://www.norfolkdailynews.com