What must all surgical counts include to be effective?

An effective surgical count must include all instruments and materials used during the procedure to ensure patient safety and maintain the integrity of the surgical environment. This comprehensive approach is essential to prevent retained foreign objects, which can lead to severe complications for the patient postoperatively.

Including only visible instruments or those directly manipulated by the surgeon fails to account for any items that may be hidden from sight or not directly handled during the procedure. Similarly, limiting the count to only the instruments used in the first phase of surgery neglects the materials and tools involved in subsequent phases, which could also contribute to risks if they are not accounted for.

By incorporating everything used throughout the entire operation—such as sponges, sutures, and any additional supplies—a complete and accurate count can be established, significantly enhancing patient safety and improving surgical outcomes.