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We enjoyed reading the article by Pillai et al.1 on the subject of non-standard implant removals. The comments made in response by Bacon and Mahfoud2 regarding implants found in the ‘wrong’ arm led us to consider an audit we are currently undertaking.
We are considering the quality of a Nexplanon® service in a Stockport, Greater Manchester general practice by evaluating a number of procedural objectives, including whether the site of implant is recorded in a patient's notes. We were surprised to conclude that of the 26 procedures looked at, 10 did not state in which arm the implant was located. We believe a common reason for this is that a general practitioner may simply record ‘reinserted in original insertion site’ without ensuring left or right was ever recorded.
In light of the workload already managed by non-standard removal services, we believe small steps to ensure the basics are recorded could serve to reduce unnecessary referrals and improve the patient experience.
Footnotes
Competing interests None declared.