Surgical procedures are often necessary to treat medical conditions and improve patients’ health. However, when surgical errors occur, they can lead to severe complications, prolonged recovery periods, or even life-threatening situations. If you or a loved one has experienced surgical errors in the operating room in New Jersey, contact a medical malpractice lawyer to learn about your options.
At Glugeth & Pierguidi, P.C., our experienced medical malpractice attorneys are dedicated to advocating for victims of surgical errors, ensuring they receive the justice and compensation they deserve. Read on to learn about the most common surgical errors.
What Are Some of the Most Common Surgical Errors?
Surgical errors can happen for various reasons, ranging from human error to systemic issues within the healthcare system. These errors can occur at any stage of the surgical process, including preoperative planning, intraoperative procedures, and postoperative care. Understanding these types of surgical errors can help you recognize if you have been a victim of medical malpractice.
Wrong-Site Surgery
Wrong-site surgery occurs when a procedure is performed on the wrong body part. This error can result from miscommunication, incorrect patient information, or marking errors. Such mistakes can lead to unnecessary surgeries, the need for additional procedures, and significant emotional and physical distress for the patient. Patients who experience wrong-site surgery may face prolonged recovery times and surgeries to correct the mistake, exacerbating their physical and emotional suffering.
Surgical Instruments Left Inside the Body
One of the most alarming types of surgical errors is when surgical instruments, such as sponges, needles, or clamps, are inadvertently left inside a patient’s body. These retained surgical items can cause severe infections and internal damage, and additional surgeries will be required to remove them.
Anesthesia Errors
Anesthesia is a critical component of many surgical procedures, and errors in administering anesthesia can have devastating consequences. Anesthesia errors can include incorrect dosage, failure to monitor the patient adequately, or using the wrong type of anesthesia. These mistakes can result in brain damage, prolonged unconsciousness, or even death. Proper monitoring and communication between the surgical team and the anesthesiologist are essential to prevent such common surgical mistakes.
Operating on the Wrong Patient
Operating on the wrong patient is a severe but rare surgical error that can occur due to misidentification, miscommunication, or administrative errors. This mistake can lead to unnecessary surgery for one patient and delayed or missed treatment for another. The consequences can be severe, including physical harm, emotional trauma, and additional medical procedures to correct the errors. Proper patient identification protocols and thorough preoperative checks are crucial to preventing this error.
Infections Due to Poor Sterilization
Sterilization and cleanliness in the operating room are paramount to preventing postoperative infections. Surgical site infections (SSIs) can occur when sterilization protocols are lapsed, allowing bacteria to enter the surgical wound. These infections can lead to prolonged hospital stays, additional treatments, and sometimes death.
Nerve Damage
Nerve damage during surgery can result from accidental cuts, excessive pressure, or improper positioning of the patient. Nerve damage can cause chronic pain, numbness, and loss of function in the affected area. This type of injury often requires extensive rehabilitation and can significantly impact the patient’s quality of life.
Organ Perforation or Damage
During surgical procedures, there is a risk of accidentally perforating or damaging internal organs. This damage can occur due to surgical instruments slipping or being misused. Organ perforation can lead to severe internal bleeding, infections, and the need for emergency surgery to repair the damage.
Failure to Follow Up
Postoperative care is crucial for ensuring a successful recovery. Failure to provide adequate follow-up care, including monitoring for complications and addressing patient concerns, can lead to serious health issues. This error can result from poor communication between the surgical team and the patient or neglect in scheduling necessary follow-up appointments.
Have You or Your Loved One Suffered Injuries From a Surgical Error in New Jersey?
If you or a loved one has suffered from surgical errors in the operating room, it’s crucial to seek legal assistance as soon as possible. Navigating the aftermath of common surgical errors can be overwhelming and stressful. At Glugeth & Pierguidi, P.C., we understand the complexities of medical malpractice surgical errors and are committed to providing compassionate and skilled legal representation.
We will thoroughly investigate your case, gather necessary evidence, and work with medical experts to build a strong claim on your behalf. Our decades of combined legal experience in handling surgical error cases enable us to guide you through the legal process and fight for your rights.
Contact us today for a free consultation and take the first step towards justice.
David Pierguidi and Jared Glugeth understand how hard it may be for you and your family following an accident resulting from someone’s negligent actions. Get the medical treatment you need right away and then call our law firm at any time of day for answers to your questions.
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