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From the moment a patient is finished with surgery until the day their healthcare provider no longer requires any follow-up treatment or checkups, their doctor owes them a duty of care. This is known as postoperative care, which refers to any medical treatment a patient receives after their operation or procedure. Depending on the type of surgery the patient had, care can look different, but it typically includes nursing/monitoring and consultations.
Post-Surgical Errors
After a significant procedure or surgical operation, a patient's body is usually weakened, making them more susceptible to infection or unexpected complications. This is where the medical staff's job comes into play — they should monitor the patient closely enough to recognize any potential issues. Failure to do so can result in harming the patient and a medical malpractice lawsuit. Some of the most common postoperative errors include:
- Failure to analyze a patient's test results
- Failure to provide the patients with follow-up instructions for post-op care
- Failure to monitor a patient's vitals
- Failure to regularly clean the surgical site
- Failure to correctly administer medical drugs
- Failure to routinely change any blades being used
- Failure to check for signs of infection
- Failure to routinely change a patient's bandages
- Failure to provide a sterile environment
Post-Op Complications
Any negligence that occurs during a patient's postoperative stages can cause significant damage to their health and condition. Poor postoperative care can put patients at risk of experiencing many complications, but some of the most common include:
Hemorrhaging – This is another word used for bleeding, usually seen coming from the surgery site. IV fluids, blood plasma, blood transfusion, or additional surgery to control the bleeding are typical treatment options.
Infection – The wound can become infected if bacteria enters the surgery site. This can become dangerous when the infection spreads to other organs and tissues. If a patient experiences an infected wound, they may be required to take antibiotics or undergo another surgical procedure to clean or drain out the infected area.
Shock – A patient may go into shock if there is a severe drop in blood pressure, causing a significant reduction of blood flow throughout the body. Although many problems could cause a patient to go into shock, this is usually treated by providing oxygen, stopping any blood loss, or administering IVs of fluid or blood.
Contact an Attorney
Being a victim of postoperative medical negligence can be a devastating and life-changing experience. Handling the legalities of your accident isn't something you should have to place your focus on when trying to recover from your injuries.
Working with the attorneys at Simonson Goodman Platzer PC, will allow you to put your case in the best hands while you take the time needed to obtain optimal health. Our team is dedicated to providing you with the legal representation you deserve to be fairly compensated for your injuries. Let us be your voice.
Contact us today at (800) 817-5029 or visit us online to schedule your free case evaluation with one of our award-winning attorneys.