Surgical errors can have devastating consequences for patients, and unfortunately, they are more common than you might think, which is why it’s so important to find one of the best Chicago surgical errors lawyers if you become a victim, such as the medical malpractice attorneys at Walner Law. This article will discuss the most common types of surgical errors made in medical facilities. Keep reading to learn more!
Post-Operative Infections
Infections in post-operative patients are a type of surgical error that can lead to serious complications and even death. Post-operative infections are a common complication of surgery and can occur in any type of surgical procedure. Infection can occur in any area of the body, but the most common areas are the incision site, surgical wound, and the urinary tract. There are many risk factors for post-operative infections. These include the type of surgery (more complex surgeries are more likely to result in infection), the age and health of the patient, the length of the surgery, the cleanliness of the surgical environment, and the use of sterilization techniques. Patients with conditions such as diabetes, cancer, and chronic illnesses may be at higher risk for post-operative infections.
Wrong-Site Surgeries
Wrong-site surgeries are one of the most serious and preventable medical errors. They occur when a surgeon operates on the wrong side of the body or on the wrong body part. In the most extreme cases, wrong-site surgeries can lead to serious complications, disability, and even death. Wrong-site surgeries are usually the result of a combination of factors, including poor communication, inadequate planning, and lack of proper pre-operative planning. To prevent wrong-site surgeries, healthcare organizations must have a clear understanding of the risks and develop strategies to reduce them.
Wrong Patient Operations
Wrong patient operations are a type of medical error where a surgical procedure is performed on the wrong person. This type of error is devastating for both patients and the medical team involved. No matter the circumstances, this type of error is unacceptable, and it can have a long-term impact on the lives of those affected. At its most basic level, wrong patient operations are a form of medical malpractice. When a doctor or other medical professional performs a procedure on the wrong patient, it is a violation of the patient’s right to receive proper medical care. The patient’s right to informed consent is also violated, as they did not consent to the procedure. Wrong patient operations can lead to serious medical complications, disability, and even death. In some cases, the patient may require additional medical treatment to correct the mistake, causing further physical and emotional harm. In extreme cases, the wrong patient operation may result in organ damage, scarring, and other permanent physical damage.
Objects Left in the Body
Objects left in the body are a kind of surgical error that can have serious consequences for patients. It occurs when a surgeon leaves surgical instruments, sponges, towels, gauze, or needles inside a patient’s body during a procedure. This type of error is more likely to occur during complex or lengthy surgeries. Objects left in the body are a form of medical malpractice. It can cause infections, organ damage, and even death. This kind of surgical error is preventable and should be taken very seriously by the medical profession.
Overall, common types of surgical errors can have serious, sometimes fatal, consequences for patients and can lead to costly medical malpractice lawsuits. As such, medical facilities must take the necessary steps to ensure that proper protocols are in place to minimize the risk of such errors. In addition, medical staff must be properly trained to recognize and address potential surgical errors.
