Essay On Surgical Errors

People in Cleveland, and throughout Ohio, often require surgery to identify, address and repair a range of injuries and medical conditions. When going in for surgery, patients generally expect the doctors and staff to be focused on performing the procedure, and to exercise good judgment. Unfortunately, surgical mistakes commonly occur. These types of errors may cause people to suffer additional or worsened medical ailments, or death.

Many surgical errors are preventable. These types of mistakes are often referred to as never events, because it is widely held that they should never happen. However, surgical patients across the U.S. experience surgical never events approximately 80 times per week, according to American Medical News.

Common

preventable surgical errors

There are a number of surgical mistakes that are categorized as never events. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services points out that some of most common preventable errors include the following:

• Performing the procedure on the wrong body part
• Performing the procedure on the wrong patient
• Performing the wrong procedure
• Unintentionally leaving objects, such as surgical sponges, in patients

Furthermore, using devices that are contaminated, or administering contaminated medications, may also be considered surgical never events. These, and similar medical mistakes, are considered avoidable if surgeons and staff take proper care.

Causes of surgical mistakes

There are numerous factors, which may contribute to the occurrence of never events. When performing surgical procedures, the surgeons, staff and other medical professionals treating the patients have a responsibility to maintain their focus. However, distractions can, and do, occur, and commonly play a role in surgical mistakes. Furthermore, neglecting to establish, or comply with, safety protocols may also lead to these types of errors.

Fatigue is also a common factor in surgical never events.

This may be due to the long shifts that surgeons and hospital staff often work. Additionally, the time of day may contribute to allowing preventable surgical mistakes to happen. For example, a surgeon may be more likely to make a mistake late at night, or at the end of a long shift.

Complications from surgical never events

Due to this type of medical malpractice, people may experience a range of effects. These may include infections, broken bones and other serious ailments. As a result, surgical patients may require further medical treatment and care, which may include undergoing additional surgical procedures. The complications caused by preventable surgical mistakes may lead to temporary or permanent disability, as well as death, for some patients.

Working with an attorney

In addition to the potential health implications that surgical errors may have for people in Ohio, these types of mistakes may also lead to lost wages and medical expenses. Depending on the circumstances, however, their health care providers, or the facilities where the procedures where performed, could be held financially liable. Therefore, those who have experienced surgical never events may consider consulting with an attorney. A legal representative may explain their rights, as well as their options for obtaining

compensation.