Introduction
Surgical errors are a critical issue in healthcare, affecting many thousands of patients each year in the United States alone. These errors can cause life-altering disabilities, and in many cases, surgical errors can be fatal. Given the profound repercussions that surgical errors can have on patients’ well-being and the legal ramifications they entail, gaining insight into their origins and consequences is essential to both minimizing medical malpractice risks and safeguarding patient welfare.
What Are Surgical Errors?
Surgical errors refer to mistakes that occur during surgery, which are often preventable. Numerous mistakes fall under the category of surgical errors. Some common examples include:
- Retained Surgical Items: Leaving unwanted objects, such as surgical tools or sponges, inside of a patient upon completion of the surgery.
- Wrong Site Surgery: Operating on a body part other than the body part intended (operating on the left leg, instead of the right leg).
- Wrong Procedure Surgery: Performing a surgical procedure that differs from the procedure planned or consented to by the patient.
- Medication Errors: Distributing the incorrect dosage or medicine during a procedure.
- Anesthesia Errors: Administering anesthesia during a procedure inappropriately, such as incorrect dosage or incorrect intubation.
- Unrecognized Surgical Injuries: Harming a body part or organ during the procedure, which is left untreated by the surgeon upon completion of the operation.
Many of these surgical errors are so egregious they are also considered “never events.” Never event is a term coined by the National Quality Forum to describe clinically devastating accidents that are identifiable and preventable. They represent a breach of the standard of care expected from medical professionals and often result in significant harm to patients, both physically and emotionally.
Statistics on Surgical Errors
Surgical errors are more common than many realize. According to a study published in the journal Surgery, approximately 4,000 surgical errors occur each year in the United States alone. This journal also claims that errors like retained surgical items occur approximately 39 times a week, and operations on the wrong body part occur approximately 20 times a week.1
Another study that observed procedures in the Massachusetts General Hospital found that of the 277 observed, 124 had at least one medicine error or adverse drug event.2
Common Causes of Surgical Errors
There are a multitude of causes that can lead to surgical errors. Those often cited include lack of communication within the operating room, insufficient staff, the fatigue felt by surgeons, and improper training can all lead to surgical errors.
Consequences of Surgical Errors
Errors made in the operating room can have lasting effects upon the patient, and the consequences of these errors are devastating to the patient and their family. Physically, patients may suffer from infections, internal injuries, permanent disabilities, and even death. Emotionally, the trauma of a surgical error can lead to anxiety, depression, and a loss of trust in the healthcare system. Financially, patients face increased medical bills, lost wages, and the cost of long-term care.
Preventative Measures
It is important that hospitals across the country make efforts to reduce the number of surgical errors that occur. Requiring pre-procedural protocols, marking the procedure site, ensuring sufficient staffing and training, and the diligent use of checklists are all efforts made by healthcare providers to ensure a patient’s safety.
How a Lawyer Can Help
If you or a loved one has been a victim of a surgical error, seeking legal representation in a timely manner is crucial. A knowledgeable lawyer can help you navigate the complex legal landscape, gather evidence, and build a strong case to secure the compensation you deserve. Here are steps you should consider if you believe you are a victim of a surgical error:
- Document Everything: Keep detailed records of your medical treatment and any complications.
- Seek a second opinion: Obtain an independent medical evaluation to confirm the error.
- Contact a lawyer: Consult with a legal expert who specializes in medical malpractice cases.
Conclusion:
Surgical errors are a real problem with life-altering consequences, but victims do not have to suffer in silence. Understanding the nature of these errors, their causes, and the available preventive measures is the first step toward seeking justice. If you believe you have been a victim of a surgical error, reach out to a qualified lawyer who can help you fight for your rights and obtain the compensation you need to recover and move forward.
1Harvardgazette. (2015, October 25). Medication errors found in 1 out of 2 surgeries. Harvard Gazette.
2Nordqvist , J. (2012, December 22). Surgical errors occur more than 4,000 times a year in the U.S. Medical News Today.
Additional Information:
Medical Malpractice: When Trust in Healthcare Turns to Tragedy
Choosing a Medical Malpractice Attorney: What You Need To Know