The Most Common Surgical Errors

Author: Auger Law | December 21st, 2015

doctor removes a tumor from a young boy's legYou have been scheduled for surgery and you are nervous. Unfortunately, surgical mistakes happen by the thousands each year. While many people have surgery each year without issue, others find themselves dealing with errors that change their lives forever. Here are five of the most common surgical errors to be aware of.

  1. Foreign Objects Left Behind

You would think that someone is standing by paying attention to the instruments and supplies being used during surgery, and maybe someone is. Even with checks and balances in place, foreign objects are left behind all too frequently. Sponges, scalpels and pads left behind can cause infection and, in the worst cases, death.

  1. Wrong Side

If you have ever had surgery, the doctor may have had you put an X on the area to be fixed before you are given any medication. This is especially true during hip and knee replacements. Why? Because doctors have operated on the wrong side too many times.

  1. Wrong Patient

Doctors get tired and charts get mixed up. The wrong patients are operated on at an alarming rate. Imagine going to the hospital for a routine procedure and waking up without a kidney. Not only will you have woken up with a piece of your body missing, but you may have to undergo a second procedure for the operation you were originally scheduled for.

  1. Anesthesia Errors

Your anesthesiologist is one of the most important people involved in your surgery. When this medical professional makes a mistake, you could wake up too early, have an allergic reaction or even not wake up at all. Anesthesia errors are not to be taken lightly.

  1. Permanent Damage

Just a slip of the scalpel can cause damage that cannot be repaired. Thousands wake up from surgery only to find that they have nerve damage that cannot be remedied.

While many people undergo surgeries without issue, others discover that their lives are changed forever. Surgical procedures are serious affairs. Make sure that you and your family are vigilant about the care you receive.

If you have been injured or made ill as a result of a surgical error, call our offices today. Our team of personal injury attorneys will review the details of your case and help you determine if you have grounds for a medical malpractice suit. Call us now for a free initial consultation.

Posted In: Personal Injury