Did You Suffer a Common Surgery Error?
Undergoing surgery can be intimidating, especially when you place your well-being in someone else’s hands. While most surgeries are successful, mistakes can happen, and the consequences can be life-altering. Surgical errors, although relatively rare, can lead to significant physical, emotional, and financial harm.
The medical malpractice attorneys at Lenahan & Dempsey will help you understand the most common types of surgical errors, the contributing factors, and what steps you can take to seek justice if you or a loved one has been affected by these unfortunate incidents.
Most Common Types of Surgical Errors
Surgical errors, or preventable mistakes that occur during a surgical procedure, are often linked to negligence or improper practices. Below are some of the most common types of errors, their consequences, and real-world examples for context.
1. Wrong-Site Surgery
This occurs when a procedure is performed on the wrong body part or side of the body. For example, a surgeon might operate on the left knee when the procedure was intended for the right knee. Such errors are often due to poor verification processes or miscommunication between surgical staff. This can lead to:
- Patients requiring additional surgeries, further risking their health.
- Extended recovery times and emotional trauma.
2. Wrong Patient Surgery
Operating on the incorrect patient is a shocking type of error, often linked to administrative oversights, such as mislabeling patient records or failing to confirm identification. These types of errors occur 0.0 to 4.5 per 10,000 surgeries performed. This can lead to:
- The patient receiving a surgery they didn’t need, potentially causing adverse effects.
- Delays in the care of the intended recipient of the procedure.
3. Retained Foreign Objects (RFOs)
Retained foreign bodies, like surgical instruments or sponges, may accidentally be left inside the patient after surgery. This error can lead to severe health complications, including infections and organ damage. This can lead to:
- Pain, infections, or organ perforations.
- Additional surgeries to remove the foreign objects.
4. Anesthesia Errors
Errors in administering anesthesia, such as giving too much or too little, can have severe outcomes. This includes the terrifying phenomenon of “anesthesia awareness,” where a patient regains consciousness during surgery. This can lead to:
- Complications like low oxygen levels, brain damage, or trauma.
- Death in extreme cases.
5. Nerve Damage
During surgery, mistakenly cutting, nicking, or applying pressure on a nerve can cause localized pain, loss of function, or permanent disability. This can lead to:
- Chronic pain and loss of mobility in the affected area.
- Diminished quality of life.
6. Bleeding and Hemorrhage
Excessive bleeding during or after surgery often indicates improper blood vessel management. Failure to control this can lead to:
- Severe complications or death.
- Hemorrhagic shock or organ failure.
- Emergency follow-up procedures.
7. Postoperative Infection
Improper sterilization or poor hygiene can result in surgical site infections, often exacerbated by antibiotic resistance. This can lead to:
- Delayed healing and possible sepsis.
- Longer hospital stays and increased medical costs.
Seeking Justice for Surgical Errors
For those affected by surgical errors, taking action may feel overwhelming. That’s why a legal firm like Lenahan & Dempsey is a crucial advocate for victims.
Why Choose Lenahan & Dempsey?
Since 1948, Lenahan & Dempsey have been fighting for victims of medical negligence. Their team handles complex cases involving surgical errors, physician negligence, and beyond.
- Nationwide Network: Collaborating with top medical consultants to build strong cases.
- Proven Ability: Decades of securing justice for clients.
- Comprehensive Support: From consultation to courtroom representation, they’re with you every step of the way.
If you are the victim of a surgical error, don’t wait to act. Reach out to Lenahan & Dempsey today for a no-obligation consultation. Contact us today.
*Details on Settlements & Verdicts are found at LenahanDempsey.com. All law firms are required to note that because the facts of each case are different, past performance is not a promise of a future outcome.
