Things that are lost in roleplaying games tend to turn up again. At the most inopportune moments, if the GM is doing the job right.

If it's something you really don't want the PCs to have, this obviously means in the hands of an enemy.

Transcript

GM: Meanwhile on Utapau, the clones are battling Grievous's army.
Obi-Wan: Commander Cody, take a platoon and secure the power generators. The natives are allies, so be careful what you fire at.
Commander Cody: Yes, sir! No shooting natives, check.
Obi-Wan: I'll try to cut off the Trade Federation's escape.
Commander Cody: Very good, sir!
Commander Cody: Sir, I don't suppose you could use another laser sword? I found one that fell out of the sky.
Obi-Wan: Oh, that'll be mine. Thank you.
Yoda: I decree that from now on Jedi who lose their swords will get their heads cut off!
Obi-Wan: Ignore her. Every week she's deciding to be something different.
Yoda: Just because you haven't worked out what you want to do when you grow up.
Obi-Wan: I'm studying to be a doctor!
Yoda: Uh-huh.
R2-D2: Not a surgeon I hope. Wouldn't want your patients handing back scalpels they found in their spleen.