Botched Surgery is a Leading Cause of Medical Malpractice Lawsuits

What Are the Main Causes of Botched Surgery?

Surgeon Fatigue

Doctors work long hours. They have to constantly multitask. However, surgery requires exacting skills and total concentration. On occasions, doctors harm patients under the scalpel and have even been known to leave surgical instruments in patients.

Inadequate preparation

Doctors have a long checklist before they can operate on a patient. They must fully examine the patient’s history and be aware of any adverse reactions to medication or anesthesia. The doctor must be aware of previous surgeries and anything else that could cause complications during surgery. The patient’s consent must be obtained for the procedure and he or she must be aware of what is going on.

Although surgeons and doctors have to prepare meticulously for operations, their tight schedules can mean they cut corners. A lack of preparation can have serious consequences.

Performing an Incorrect Procedure

Although it is rare for a doctor to carry out the wrong procedure, it happens. On occasions, surgeons remove the wrong body part. This is a devastating ordeal to recover from. A doctor may mix up charts or receive incorrect information. Surgeons can also operate on an area that does not need surgery, causing unnecessary pain and suffering.

Improper Training

We sometimes hear of cases of junior doctors who are allowed to perform operation that are above their pay grade without adequate training or supervision. When things go wrong in the operation room, they can unravel fast. It’s important to have an experienced and properly qualified team doing procedures.

Defective Equipment

In some cases, defective equipment can cause injuries during surgeries. Some equipment such as the Da Vinci robotic system sparked lawsuits against the manufacturer after patients suffered burns.

Leaving objects in a Patient

Many different tools are required for surgeries. Doctors typically go through a wide range of tools when a patient is on the operating table. Foreign objects like surgical sponges and forceps have been left inside patients on occasions. They an cause sever internal damage to a patient or serious infections.

Improper Care After a Surgery

A hospital’s duty of care to a patient does not end with the operation. Doctors must follow up and look for signs of infection or other complications. If an operation was botched and the patient suffers pain and other complications, the doctor has a duty of care to rectify the issue as soon as possible rather than concealing it.

What To Do if Botched Surgery Causes and Injury in Virginia

If you believe you have been harmed by botched surgery, immediately seek medical attention. Contact the hospital and inform the authorities. You should talk to a medical malpractice lawyer as soon as possible for advice on how to proceed. At the Smith Law Center, our attorneys hold doctors, nurses, and hospitals to account in Virginia and elsewhere. Please call us if you were a victim of medical malpractice at (757) 695-9425.

‍