5 Most Common Types of Surgical Mistakes

Most patients have qualms about undergoing surgery. It can indeed be terrifying, especially if it is a complex operation. There is always the fear of death because lying on the operating table while under anesthesia can make one feel vulnerable. Contrary to common belief, surgical errors do not happen during complicated operations. They are most common during simple procedures. These medical errors, according to Tinker Law Firm, are grounds for a medical malpractice case because surgeons became negligent in their duty. 5 Common Surgical Errors If you have an upcoming procedure and you want to know your risk, here are the most common surgical errors you should be aware of: Wrong Surgical Site Surgeons should be careful when operating on a patient. It is a given. However, they can sometimes be busy and would rely on their juniors to inform them of the surgical site, and this can lead them to operate on the wrong body part, particularly during amputations. There have been cases when a surgeon amputates the right leg when it should be the left extremity. Wrong Patient Sometimes, a surgeon can confuse the patient for another patient with a similar condition. There have been cases when a surgeon will operate on the wrong patient and have no clue until the patient awakens from anesthesia or other medical personnel will call them out for it. That is why doctors should do a preoperative verification to ensure that they are cutting open the right person. These cases are pretty common in infants because these small children are often difficult to tell apart. Nerve Damage Surgeons can cause nerve damage to a patient when they make a mistake during the operation. One wrong flick of their hand can cause them to nick a nerve. When they damage an artery or vein, they can readily repair it by simply identifying the artery and cauterizing it. When it comes to nerves, severing one can cause lifetime disability and pain. Leaving a Foreign Object Inside the Body Ideally, operating room nurses will count the gauze, scalpels, clamps, and other surgical instruments before and after the procedure to ensure that everything is accounted for and the surgeon will not accidentally leave anything inside. Failure to do this pre and post operative procedure can cause the surgeon to leave a foreign object inside the patient’s body that can lead to infection, pain, and even death. Errors in Anesthesia Administration Anesthesia administration is one of the trickiest during a surgery. Giving too little can cause pain and discomfort for the patient because they would still be aware that they are being cut. Giving too much can cause the patient to overdose and die because it can cut ample oxygen supply to the brain. Tips for Preventing Surgical Errors Surgical errors are preventable provided the doctors and nurses perform their job following the best practices. Patients can also help prevent these by following these tips: Choose Your Surgeon Well When you need to undergo surgery, it pays if you can choose a specialist. Specialists are well-versed in handling cases and know the procedures involved when doing surgeries. They also have accreditations and reputation to protect, making them a lot careful when it comes to following surgical protocols. Go to a Reputable Medical Institution It also helps to have your surgery done in a reputable facility that has legitimate accreditations. They provide ample training for their medical professionals so they can prevent any untoward incidents such as those mentioned above. The fear of surgical errors is common. However, do not use this as an excuse to postpone any urgent procedures that may endanger your life.