I know no one wants to admit it, but mistakes happen during surgery and after surgery. They happen all the time.
There is no such thing as an easy surgery, and complications are always possible. Sometimes however, physicians make mistakes that are bigger that simple mistakes, and considered surgical malpractice.
What types of mistakes can happen before / after surgery?
1. Injuring organs / bones / blood vessels during surgery and not repairing
2. leaving items in patients body (sponges, catheters, etc).
3. post surgical failure to appreciate complications
4. Anesthesia problems
5. Operating on the wrong body part (yes – this amazingly still happens)
In Southwest Virginia, we have heard very tragic stories regarding surgical malpractice. It happens to the young and the old, the fit and the unhealthy. It can and does happen to all kinds of people, ruining their lives.
What would happen to you if you could never walk or run again? How would you feel if you lost a leg because someone was not doing their job? Do you think it would make you upset to learn your surgeon’s mistake will cost you your job, your livelihood?