What Are the Most Common Types of Surgical Errors?

 Posted on November 15, 2022 in Medical Malpractice

Studies have found that more than 4,000 people in the U.S. suffer harm every year as a result of surgical errors. That number is probably even higher, given that many errors go unreported. This can be an especially dangerous form of medical malpractice, and mistakes made by surgeons or other medical personnel involved in surgical procedures can have a drastic, long-lasting impact on a person's health and well-being. If you have been the victim of a surgical error, you may be wondering what your options are. With the help of an attorney, you can determine the best steps to take to recover compensation for these forms of negligence.

Common Errors During Surgery

While there are many different types of surgical errors that can occur, some are more common than others. The errors that occur most often include:

• Incorrect site surgery - One of the most common types of surgical errors occurs when medical personnel operate on the wrong body part or perform the wrong procedure. This type of error can occur when the surgeon or another member of the surgical team fails to confirm the correct site of the operation with the patient before beginning the procedure. In some cases, a surgeon may even operate on the wrong patient altogether.

• Leaving foreign objects in the body - This type of error can occur when instruments or other items are left inside the patient's body cavity or when gauze or other materials are not removed from a wound. Foreign object retention often goes undiscovered until post-operative X-rays or CT scans are performed. Items that are left inside a patient's body can cause serious infections and other complications.

• Performing an unnecessary surgery - In some cases, surgical procedures may be performed that were not needed in the first place. This type of error can occur when a surgeon recommends a procedure based on an incorrect diagnosis or when a surgeon proceeds with a surgery without obtaining informed consent from the patient. Unnecessary surgeries can subject patients to needless risks and complications.

• Anesthesia errors - These are some of the most serious types of surgical errors, because they can lead to permanent injury or even death. Patients may suffer harm if anesthesiologists give them too much or too little anesthesia or fail to monitor them properly during surgery. 

• Nerve damage - This type of serious complication can occur during surgery if a surgeon accidentally damages or severs nerves in the area of the body where the procedure is being performed. This type of injury can lead to loss of sensation, paralysis, and other impairments depending on which nerves are affected and the extent of the damage. Nerve damage is often caused by careless mistakes made by surgeons during an operation. 

Contact Our Peoria Medical Malpractice Lawyers for Surgical Errors

Surgical errors are unfortunately all too common in today's healthcare system. If you or a loved one has been harmed as a result of a surgeon's negligence, it is important to know that you have legal options available to you. An experienced Springfield medical malpractice attorney at Kanoski Bresney can evaluate your case and help you get the justice and compensation you deserve. Call 888-826-8682 today to arrange a free consultation.

Sources:

https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/news/20121220/thousands-mistakes-surgery

https://psnet.ahrq.gov/primer/wrong-site-wrong-procedure-and-wrong-patient-surgery

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/12/121219111336.htm