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Sponge spurs lawsuit

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: June 4, 2009

NEW PORT RICHEY - A man who says a medical sponge was left inside a wound on his right leg filed a medical malpractice lawsuit Wednesday.
David Spillman is suing physician James K. Condon, Pasco-Hernando Surgical Associates and Kinetic Concepts Inc., the manufacturer of the sponge. Neither Spillman nor his attorney, Wil Florin, could be reached for comment.

According to the complaint, Condon drained an abscess on Spillman's leg on April 10, 2007, and ordered the use of Kinetic Concepts' Wound VAC dressing changes. Two weeks later, Condon placed a skin graft over the open wound.

The wound wouldn't heal, and Spillman developed pain in the leg, the complaint states. In July 2007, Condon found and removed a 9-centimeter reddish sponge from the wound. Spillman had to have a second surgery that left a 10-inch scar on his leg, according to the complaint.

Spillman still has leg pain and can't work, the complaint states.

The lawsuit also accuses Kinetic Concepts of negligence, arguing that the discolored sponge made it difficult to it see in the wound.

Condon, 66, of New Port Richey, has been practicing medicine for 41 years, according to state records. He declined to comment.

Todd Leskanic

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