TAMPA, Fla. — Tampa General Hospital has canceled a number of elective surgeries this week due to surgical instruments that are slightly discolored, according to spokesman John Dunn.
- Source tells Spectrum Bay News 9 that two dozen surgeries canceled Wednesday
- Some elective surgeries were continuing
- If you'd like to speak with reporter Josh Rojas about this story, email him
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"The issue surfaced during a routine quality check of surgical instruments performed prior to all surgeries," Dunn said. "The hospital conducted lab testing on the instruments and found all were sterile and had no findings of any infectious agents."
No surgeries were conducted using these instruments and no patients were harmed, according to Dunn. The hospital is working with its partners to obtain sterile instruments that meet the standard of excellence and should have that completed by Monday.
Dunn wouldn't say how many elective surgeries had to be canceled. A TGH source told Spectrum Bay News 9 that at least two dozen surgeries were canceled on Wednesday.
Dunn said the cancellations on Wednesday were largely the result of delays in getting instruments returned. TGH remains equipped to perform transplant, trauma and other emergency surgical cases, and some elective surgeries are continuing.
"We regret the disruption this situation has caused our patients and surgeons," he said. "However, ensuring patient safety continues to be our top priority."
If your surgery was canceled please contact Spectrum Bay News 9 reporter Josh Rojas at josh.rojas@charter.com