All patients must sign consent forms before surgical procedures stating that the patient is aware of the known risks and complications that may result. However, a patient cannot consent to negligence and a physician or nurse should not be allowed to escape responsibility by a form signed by a patient. 

Surgical errors can potentially result in:

• Infections
• Perforations
• Post-operative complications
• Significant bleeding
• Anesthesia complications
• Paralysis
• Pulmonary embolism
• Additional surgeries
• Prolonged recovery time
• Nicking or cutting vital organs
• Spinal cord surgery
• Wrong site surgery
• Death

Our attorneys have handled a wide range of cases, including patients’ conditions worsening and even death after surgery due to post-op complications such as bleeding and pulmonary embolus. These cases often involve a lack of careful monitoring. Surgical errors can be avoided. Medical professionals should consider the following patient care practices to avoid surgical errors and postoperative decline in condition including:

• Counting surgical instruments and sponges used during operations and avoiding improper placement of foreign objects
• Completing checklists
• Closely monitoring vital signs
• Ensuring qualified personnel are involved in patient care
• Proper adjustment in anesthesia dosages during surgery
• Proper monitoring during and after surgery

Haliczer Pettis & Schwamm has decades of experience working on cases involving medical malpractice involving surgical mistakes. Contact the firm if you believe you or someone you know has suffered a serious injury, as a result of a surgical error.