One of the scariest things a person can hear is that they need surgery for some type of injury or other health issues. The thought of going under the knife is unnerving for almost anyone. And when you add in the possibility of a serious mistake being made, that anxiety and fear are amplified exponentially.
When it comes to malpractice issues, it is important that medical malpractice attorneys are contacted immediately if there are any unaddressed complications or problems created by the medical staff’s incompetence. With that in mind, here are a few of the many surgical errors that can occur at any time:
Surgery on the Wrong Site
If a person gets surgery on the wrong site, it can have serious and potentially life-threatening consequences. This type of medical error is known as “wrong-site surgery.” Some possible consequences of a wrong-site surgery include:
- Damage to the intended surgical site
- Damage to nearby organs or tissues
- Infection at the surgical site
- Pain and discomfort for the patient
- Psychological harm, such as anxiety and trauma
In some cases, this type of surgery can result in permanent disability or death. Medical professionals need to follow proper procedures and take steps to prevent wrong-site surgeries from occurring.
Performing the Wrong Surgical Procedure
If a doctor performs the wrong surgical procedure, it can have serious consequences for the patient. Some potential complications that may arise include increased pain and suffering, delayed healing, long-term health problems, and possibly even death.
Failure to Recognize and Treat Post-Operative Problems
If post-operative problems are not recognized and treated promptly, it can lead to several serious complications, including:
- Bleeding
- Nerve damage
- Organ damage
- Adverse reactions to medications
- Chronic pain
Experienced surgical malpractice attorneys are uniquely qualified to deal with cases where post-op failures have harmed patients.
Failure to Recognize Complications During Surgery
Several issues can arise during the actual surgical procedure. The responsibility to recognize and address these problems falls on the doctor and medical staff performing the procedure.
Anything from issues with the anesthesia to unstable vital signs can present problems that can have dire repercussions if not handled properly.
Performing Surgery When the Patient Is not Stable
Expounding on our last point, performing surgery on a patient who is not stable can be very risky and have serious or even life-threatening consequences. If a patient is not stable, it means that their condition is not under control and they may not be able to withstand the stresses of surgery.
For example, if a patient has unstable vital signs (such as low blood pressure or irregular heart rate) or is not adequately oxygenated, they may not be able to tolerate the surgery and could suffer serious complications.
Is It Time You Got in Touch with a Surgical Malpractice Attorney?
If you or a loved one has experienced any of these or other similar issues due to possible medical malpractice, don’t delay any longer. You need to know exactly what happened to you, as well as what you are entitled to by those who were careless with your health and life.