People have to undergo surgeries for many reasons. Some people have surgeries to relieve worsening medical conditions and improve health. Others may be given emergency surgical treatment after a serious injury, such as a car accident. While doctors are often very attentive to their patients, mistakes can occur. A mistake during surgery can change a person for life.
It is important to be aware of the common mistakes that can occur during surgery. Here is what you should know:
1. Wrong-side surgery
Doctors and nurses take many steps to ensure a surgery is done correctly. If medical practitioners neglect their duties, a surgery can be performed on the wrong side of the body. Wrong-side surgery can impact a person’s daily life.
2. Retained foreign objects
Many surgical tools are used during surgery. Under intensive and stressful situations, surgical tools may be left in a patient’s body after surgery. Retained foreign objects can cause internal organ damage or infections if not removed.
3. Wrong-patient surgery
Each patient has their own medical chart. If medical charts are mixed up, a person may undergo unnecessary surgical treatment for an issue they were not experiencing.
4. Anesthesia mistakes
Anesthesia is often administered to patients during surgery. If a patient is given too much anesthesia, they could experience health problems. If a patient is given too little anesthesia, they could experience unnecessary pain during surgery.
5. Post-operative monitoring failures
Nurses and doctors often have to keep a close eye on their patients after surgery. Neglecting to monitor a patient after surgery could lead to serious medical problems, such as low blood pressure, internal bleeding or worsening symptoms.
Professional legal guidance can help those impacted by a surgical error.