It is hard to defend a sponge left in someone’s brain. I imagine Carson’ malpractice inzurance was through the roof.
True, it is hard to defend it. Although, we’re assuming it was Carson who was solely to blame.
I’ve never seen a surgery performed with one person in the room. And the technician who hands the instruments to the surgeon is also responsible for taking inventory before the patient is sewn shut.
I’d say there’s two possibilities:
Carson recklessly performed a surgery, leaving the sponge inside; OR
Carson was mistakenly told, “Yes, doctor, all instruments are accounted for”.
Ultimately Carson is responsible, but he’s also a human being relying on other human beings.