Many patients feel nervous and apprehensive as they prepare to undergo a surgical procedure. They may worry that something will go wrong during surgery that may result in a life-threatening condition or permanent impairment. However, most patients do not consider that a surgeon, nurse, or other medical provider might be the cause of the injury. Sadly, medical providers make thousands of mistakes each year. Our Tennessee surgical malpractice attorneys commonly see these seven surgical errors.
- Performing the Wrong Surgical Procedure
This medical mistake includes operating on the wrong site. For example, you are having knee surgery on your right knee, but the doctor performs the surgery on the left knee. Performing the wrong surgical procedure or performing surgery on the wrong site is a preventable medical error. The surgeon and the medical facility should have ample procedures in place to prevent this mistake. - Object Left in the Patient’s Body
This surgical mistake happens more often than many people expect. Sponges, scalpels, clamps, and other items get left in the surgical area. These objects can cause serious damage and may result in life-threatening conditions. This surgical error is also preventable by counting all supplies before closing a surgery. - Anesthesia Errors and Mistakes
Anesthesia is a crucial element of a surgical procedure. Using anesthesia allows the surgeon to perform the procedure without the patient feeling pain or remembering the surgery. Anesthesia also helps ensure that a patient does not move around during the surgery, which is dangerous for the patient. However, if anesthesia is not administered properly, patients may wake up, suffer brain damage, or die. - Failing to Properly Monitor a Patient’s Condition During Surgery
A patient’s condition can change within seconds. If the medical team does not carefully monitor a patient’s vital signs, the patient could experience a medical emergency. There should be sufficient people in the surgical suite to monitor the patient during the entire surgical procedure. - Errors Involving Surgical Medications
During a surgical procedure, the surgeon may order one or more medications to be given in addition to the anesthesia. Some patients may require blood thinners or medications to stop bleeding. Other patients may need medication to slow their heart rate or reduce blood pressure. Many of these medications can have serious side effects, especially when used in combination with other drugs or during surgery. A medical professional must be careful when prescribing surgical medications and monitor the patient carefully for any adverse reactions. - Failing to Obtain Informed Consent
This type of medical malpractice occurs before the surgical procedure. A doctor has a duty to discuss all options for treatment, including surgery, with the patient. The doctor should disclose all risks and benefits associated with each treatment and explain why the doctor believes a particular surgery is the best option. A patient has the right to have all relevant information before consenting to surgery. - Damage to Surrounding Area
In some cases, the surgeon or another member of the medical team may do something that causes damage to nerves, tissues, or organs near the surgical site. A surgical mistake that causes additional damage may leave a patient with a lifetime of pain, medical bills, and disabilities.
Should You Call a Tennessee Medical Malpractice Attorney?
If you experienced a bad result after surgery, you might be the victim of medical malpractice. For example, the surgeon and other medical professionals may have committed malpractice if their negligent actions caused or contributed to the outcome.
Our Tennessee medical malpractice attorney reviews your case to determine if you should file a medical malpractice claim. If you have any doubts about the quality of the medical care you received or you suspect your injury or condition was caused by medical malpractice, you should consult a Tennessee medical malpractice attorney.
It is best to obtain experienced legal advice now while you still have time to file a claim against the medical provider who caused your injury. If you wait too long, the deadline to file a claim will expire. Contact the personal injury attorneys at Cummings Law today.
Posted in: Medical Malpractice