Surgical Errors: Causes, Consequences, and Patient Safety
At Bell Law Firm, we’ve taken on several cases of medical malpractice that stem from surgical error. These errors, also known as surgical malpractice, are avoidable mistakes made during surgery that fall outside of the anticipated risks of the surgery – ultimately causing harm to patients. Another way to frame it is surgical errors happen when a healthcare professional falls below the standard of care for a specific surgical procedure, and patients are seriously harmed.
In this blog, we do a deep dive into surgical errors: their causes, consequences, and how steps patients can take to help avoid them.
What are the Causes of Surgical Errors
- Communication Breakdowns: Several factors contribute to the occurrence of surgical errors. The first is communication breakdowns between healthcare professionals. Clear and precise communication is vital in the operating room. Still, sometimes misunderstandings or incomplete information happen, which results in mistakes, such as administering the wrong medication, misidentifying patients, or performing the wrong procedure.
- Lack of Protocol Adherence: The second major cause of surgical errors is a lack of protocol adherence. Standard operating procedures and checklists are designed to minimize risks. Failing to follow these protocols, whether due to negligence or oversight, can result in significant errors. These procedures are in place to ensure that the right patient receives the right surgery, among other safeguards.
- Inadequate Preoperative Planning & Postoperative Care: The last major cause of surgical errors that we see is inadequate preoperative planning and postoperative care. Surgeries require thorough planning, including reviewing patient history, preparing the necessary tools, and outlining the correct procedure. Inadequate preparation can lead to errors during the operation, such as missing key steps or using improper equipment.
Postoperative care a patient receives after undergoing surgery ensures proper recovery and pain management and prevents complications. This step ultimately aids the patient to return to their normal activities.
One Bell Law Firm example is Pamela Hay’s story. In 2018, Pamela met with a neurosurgeon who recommended surgery to remove a disc and insert an implant in her spine to relieve her spinal pain. During the procedure, the doctor and staff took seven X-ray images. Based on the x-rays, the doctor should have seen that the screws intruded on her spinal canal and repositioned the implant, but he didn’t. The doctor’s lack of proper postoperative care left Pamela with severe, life-changing limitations.
Patient Safety Tips for Going Into Surgery
The good news is that many surgical errors are preventable, especially when patients have the right tools and tips to advocate for themselves. After working with several clients over the years, here are some tips we would recommend.
- Ask Questions About the Surgery: Understanding the procedure is crucial for ensuring you’re fully informed and comfortable. Ask your surgeon questions such as:
- What is the name of the surgery?
- Why is this surgery necessary, and are there any alternatives?
- What are the risks and potential complications?
- What is the expected recovery time?
- What is your success rate for this surgery?
- Verify Surgical Details: Make sure all the key details about the surgery are correct, including:
- Your name and date of birth on all medical documentation.
- The type of surgery being performed.
- The site and side of the surgery (if applicable). For example, if you’re having surgery on your right knee, ensure everyone knows it’s the right knee.
- Prepare for Postoperative Care: Understanding what to expect after surgery and how to care for yourself during recovery is essential. A clear recovery plan can help prevent post-surgery complications and know when something has gone wrong. Ask questions like:
- What kind of assistance will I need at home?
- What are the signs of complications, such as infection, should I look out for?
- How long will I need to rest or limit activities?
- When is the follow-up appointment?
Surgical error cases against medical professionals can be complex, so it’s critical to find experienced counsel. By understanding the causes and consequences of surgical errors, patients can take active steps to help reduce their risks for a better outcome post-surgery. While we hope you and your loved ones never experience this type of harm, Bell Law Firm is here to guide you through the process. If you think you have a potential case, reach out today for a free case evaluation.