"As an experienced surgeon, I know such things, when they involve a patient who was a participant or a victim of a crime, are evidence. Not only would it be unethical to take something like this, it would be illegal, which could jeopardize my license, my staff membership, and even my freedom. Sometimes a patient requests something like a gallstone, but that is even part of the pathology record, not to leave the premises. The fact that my colleague does it doesn't get me off the hook, if I allow it to happen without protest."

Believe it or not, these things actually happen. In surgery, you will see things every day most see only once (or never) in their lifetimes. Because of the notoriety that is inherent in the drama of surgery, it can be tempting to act in a way that you feel doesn't really matter. You should never be tempted to do anything that can be looked at as inappropriate. Champion the straight-and-narrow course--you just can't go wrong.

"I don't think such actions are appropriate. Something like a bullet is really a part of the medical record, and any tinkering with it is like falsifying the medical record. I would tell him or her to replace the item or 'un-do' the indisretion immediately or I'll be obligated to follow official guidelines up the chain of command."