Surgical errors are among the most serious medical malpractice cases, often resulting in devastating injuries that can change a patient’s life forever. To make matters worse, victims often require additional surgeries, either to address the consequences of the mistake or to address the original issue. Below are some examples.

What Mistakes Can Be Made in the Operating Room?

1. Wrong Surgery

Due to a mixup in the paperwork or negligence on the part of doctors and staff, surgeons have been known to perform the wrong surgery entirely. Unfortunately, the effects of incorrect surgeries can sometimes be irreversible, especially if the doctor removed a limb or organ in error.

2. Incorrect Medication Dosage

Administering anesthesia is a delicate process, requiring careful monitoring of the patient’s condition throughout the surgery. If too little is delivered, you might wake up during the operation—and your reaction could lead to further harm. Too much and you could suffer serious neurological or cardiac damage.

3. Surgical Implements Left Inside the Patient

Most hospitals have strict protocols that require surgical suite staff to count every sponge, clamp, and scalpel before finishing. Despite these measures, equipment is left inside patients approximately 1,500 times per year, eventually causing pain, serious infections, and other health issues.

4. Nerve Damage

No surgery is ever without risk, and not every poor outcome qualifies as medical malpractice. However, careless surgeons may accidentally cut delicate nerve fibers, resulting in a loss of sensation or, in serious cases, paralysis.
 

If you or a loved one has suffered a surgical error, the medical malpractice attorneys at Salerno & Associates will fight to ensure you’re fully compensated for your losses. As one of Omaha, NE’s most trusted personal injury firms, they’ve represented victims throughout Nebraska and Iowa, achieving positive results in difficult cases. Visit their website for more on their medical malpractice services or call (402) 502-9002 to discuss your case and arrange a consultation.