What was supposed to be a routine and uncomplicated surgery to remove a diseased kidney turned into a nightmare for one patient. A Fresno County patient underwent surgery to remove their left kidney. The patient was discharged once the procedure was complete.
It was then that a mistake was discovered. Instead of removing the patient’s left kidney as planned, the surgeon had removed the patient’s spleen. The spleen plays a key role in filtering blood and controlling the level of white and red blood cells.
According to a medical malpractice lawsuit filed by the patient, she will be impacted by the error for the remainder of her life.
How Common are Surgical Errors?
According to researchers, approximately 40 to 50 million surgeries are performed in the U.S. each year. Out of these surgeries, there are approximately 4,000 surgical errors every year.
This means that only a small fraction of all surgeries result in a surgical error. However, the cases that do occur can leave patients with significant health complications. They may require additional surgeries, prolonged medical care, or other assistance to manage or overcome these complications.
Removal of the wrong limb or body part is just one type of surgical error. Others include leaving foreign debris like sponges and tools inside a patient and causing injury to other body parts while conducting the surgery.
When Compensation is Available for Surgical Errors
Just because you or a loved one were injured during surgery does not mean it is medical malpractice. Malpractice exists where a doctor’s or surgeon’s care is not reasonably careful and competent. The doctor’s education and experience, the complexity of the procedure, and other circumstances all figure into this determination.
Operating on the wrong body part or removing the wrong organ are likely the result of negligent conduct. If a surgeon is in a hurry, or if they have not reviewed their notes sufficiently before the surgery, they may commit what should be an easily avoidable error.
Medical errors that are due to negligent treatment may lead to a successful medical malpractice lawsuit.
How to Avoid Injury from Surgical Errors
Undergoing surgery and placing your health in the hands of a doctor can be frightening. Once you are on the operating table, there is little you can do to control what your doctor does. It may feel as though there is little you can do to avert a surgical error.
While there may not be much you can do to prevent surgical errors once you are in the operating room, making sure you and your doctor have plenty of time for a procedure may help. This might ensure your surgeon does not feel rushed to complete a procedure.
It is also advisable to ask questions about your surgery. Understand the body part your surgeon will be working on, the necessity for the surgery, and how the surgery will be conducted. Verify on the day of your surgery that the procedure for which you have been admitted is the same procedure you discussed with your doctor.
Get Help with Your Los Angeles Medical Malpractice Claim
Our legal team at The Trial Offices of Bradley I. Kramer, M.D., Esq. is experienced in handling medical malpractice cases, including cases involving surgical errors. If you or a loved one believes you may have been hurt by a doctor, a surgeon, or another medical professional, call our office today and schedule a free initial consultation.