Surgery is a critical medical procedure that demands precision, skill and utmost care. Patients trust surgeons to provide the best possible care during an operation.
Surgical errors can unfortunately occur, though. When they do, they may constitute medical malpractice. Understanding some common types of surgical errors that can constitute malpractice will help you seek a positive outcome in a tragic situation.
Wrong-site surgery
Performing surgery on the wrong body part is a grave error. This could involve the wrong limb, organ or even the wrong patient. Such mistakes can result in severe complications and long-term consequences for the patient.
Surgical instrument left behind
Leaving surgical instruments or foreign objects, such as sponges or gauze, inside a patient’s body is another serious error. These items can cause infections, pain and further surgeries to remove them.
Anesthesia errors
Administering anesthesia is a common aspect of surgery. Errors in dosage or improper monitoring can lead to complications, including brain damage or even death.
Nerve damage
Surgeons must be diligent to avoid damaging nerves during a procedure. Nerve injuries can result in chronic pain, paralysis or loss of function.
Post-operative negligence
The care a patient receives after surgery is as important as the procedure itself. Negligence in post-operative care, such as medication errors or inadequate monitoring, can lead to complications.
The World Health Organization reports that over 3 million deaths occur each year around the globe due to unsafe health care. Surgery is a highly sensitive process, so malpractice involving surgical errors can contribute to the staggering number of fatalities.