It takes several years of training to qualify as a surgeon. Thus, surgeons must acquire high levels of expertise prior to being permitted to operate on patients.
The relationship between medical professionals and patients is founded upon trust. Those who enter healthcare facilities for treatment often place their lives in the hands of the people who care for them. Sadly, even the most highly trained professionals are not immune from errors, even surgeons. The consequences of errors during surgery can be life-altering and even fatal in extreme cases. Outlined below are some of the more common surgical errors:
Surgery on the wrong patient
Hospitals tend to be treating hundreds, or even thousands of patients at any one time. When dealing with such vast numbers, communication between staff members is pivotal. It is possible for surgeons to make mistakes when identifying patients. The result of this could be that surgery is performed on a patient who did not need it. Not only can unwarranted surgery cause bodily damage in the first place, but it may also prevent a patient from receiving the treatment that they initially required.
Wrong-site surgery
Unfortunately, doctors and others in the medical field can diagnose conditions incorrectly. This can result in instructions being given to surgeons to perform treatment on body parts that are not afflicted. Having surgery performed in the wrong area can lead to countless complications and even fatality in some circumstances. Doctors have both an ethical and legal duty to carry out accurate assessments before initiating any treatment.
Protect yourself from medical errors
There are a host of potential errors that surgeons can make and it is vital to protect yourself from these. If you feel that you have been let down by your medical team, there may be a path to legal compensation.