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A needle gone astray, especially in the human body, is always a matter to cause apprehension. When, however, a needle is lost in the throat, the possible dangers are self evident and are often of serious import. To have passed through an experience of this kind, searching for the needle and not finding it, is a distressing and a harrowing experience. The surgeon feels "down in the mouth," mortified, and the operating room staff seems to look on him as the guilty person. At that moment the surgeon wishes he had used a needle that cannot be lost, that is, one in which the needle and holder is a one piece instrument.
Needles, if held in a needle holder, should be held fast and not unlocked until it is certain that the other end has been securely grasped in a hemostat by the operator or by his assistant. If the