Medical malpractice is a major cause of concern for patients, as it can result in devastating consequences, including unnecessary pain and suffering, permanent disabilities and even loss of life.
The operating room is one of the most sensitive spaces in a hospital environment, and patients entrust their lives to the expertise and care of medical professionals. Instances of medical malpractice in the operating room include the following.
1. Wrong site surgery
When preoperative procedures, such as marking the correct surgical site and confirming patient identity, are overlooked or improperly followed, it can lead to wrong site surgery. This egregious error involves operating on the wrong body part or even the wrong patient altogether. Despite numerous safety protocols in place to prevent such occurrences, lapses in communication, inadequate documentation or failure to verify critical information can result in irreversible harm to the patient.
2. Anesthesia errors
Anesthesia is meant to induce a controlled state of unconsciousness and pain relief during surgical procedures, but errors in its administration can have severe consequences. Anesthesia errors may occur due to improper dosage calculation, inadequate patient assessment or failure to monitor vital signs closely during surgery. These mistakes can lead to anesthesia awareness, where the patient is awake but unable to move or communicate or overdosing, resulting in respiratory depression or cardiac arrest, among other serious complications.
3. Postoperative negligence
Surgery patients require constant postoperative monitoring to ensure proper recovery and to promptly address any complications that may arise. However, instances of postoperative negligence can occur when healthcare providers fail to provide adequate post-surgical care and monitoring. This may involve neglecting to closely monitor vital signs, failing to recognize signs of infection or other complications or providing inadequate pain management.
If you or your loved one suffered due to medical malpractice, consider seeking legal guidance to help you, pursue recompense for damages and hold the responsible parties accountable for their negligence.