Post-surgical injuries can be due to negligence during or after a surgical procedure. These injuries can arise due to the type of surgery, the patient’s overall health, or issues related to wound healing.
Common Post-Surgical Injuries Due To Medical Negligence
Infection
Bacteria can enter the body during or after surgery, leading to infection at the surgical site or elsewhere (e.g., the urinary tract or lungs). These can develop at the incision site due to improper sterilization or contamination during surgery.
Signs of an infection include redness, warmth, swelling, pain, and sometimes pus at the site. Fever may also occur.
Healthcare-associated infections may include:
- Failure to maintain a sterile environment during surgery.
- Use of unclean or improperly sterilized surgical instruments.
- Poor postoperative wound care or failure to prescribe antibiotics when necessary.
Bleeding
Some bleeding is normal after surgery, but excessive or uncontrolled bleeding can be dangerous.
Large amounts of blood draining from the wound or blood in bodily fluids, such as vomit or urine, can be signs of hemorrhage.
Causes of post-operation bleeding include:
- Failure to properly close blood vessels or surgical wounds.
- Inadequate postoperative monitoring for signs of internal bleeding.
- Mismanagement of a patient’s anticoagulant medications before surgery.
Blood Clots
Due to immobility after surgery, blood clots may form, especially in the legs. These clots, known as DVTs, can travel to the lungs causing pulmonary embolism, severe injury, or death.
Signs of blood clots can include pain, swelling, and redness in the legs. Sudden chest pain or shortness of breath may indicate a pulmonary embolism.
Blood clots can be the result of:
- Failure to provide blood thinners to patients at risk of clotting.
- Inadequate postoperative instructions to encourage mobility or the use of compression devices.
- Lack of postoperative monitoring for signs of blood clots.
Leaving Surgical Instruments or Sponges Inside the Body
A “retained surgical object” is a common surgical error that involves a surgeon or surgical team negligently leaving a foreign object inside the patient. This could be an instrument or a sponge.
Severe or persistent pain at the surgical site, accompanied by fever and signs of infection such as redness, swelling, or drainage, may indicate the presence of a retained surgical item. A foreign object in the abdomen can cause abdominal pain, swelling, and digestive issues like nausea, vomiting, or constipation. Patients may also experience unexplained fatigue or discomfort, with a visible lump or swelling near the surgical area. In some cases, the wound may not heal properly or may even reopen, further signaling a potential issue with a retained object.
This can be caused by:
- Lack of proper surgical tool count before and after the procedure.
- Inattention or distraction during the operation.
Wound Dehiscence
This occurs when a surgical incision reopens, which may be partial or complete.
Signs include visible wound separation, increased drainage, or tissue exposure.
This can be caused by:
- Incorrect wound closure techniques.
- Use of poor-quality sutures or staples.
- Failure to give proper wound care instructions after surgery.
Anesthesia-Related Complications
Anesthesia can cause various injuries, including allergic reactions or breathing difficulties.
Symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, confusion, or difficulty waking up post-surgery.
Causes of anesthesia negligence include:
- Incorrect dosage of anesthesia (too much or too little).
- Failure to properly monitor vital signs during surgery.
- Not reviewing the patient’s medical history to assess anesthesia risks (allergies, underlying conditions).
Who Might Be at Fault for Post-Surgical Injuries?
Post-surgical injuries can occur for various reasons, and determining who is at fault depends on the specific circumstances surrounding the surgery and recovery process. The parties responsible for these complications may include medical professionals, healthcare facilities, or even manufacturers of devices.
Get Support For Post-Surgical Injuries Due To Medical Negligence
If you or a loved one has experienced post-surgical complications due to medical negligence, you deserve justice and compensation for your suffering. At Clifford Law, our top-rated Chicago medical malpractice attorney is ready to help you navigate your case and hold responsible parties accountable.
Contact us today at (312) 899-9090 or complete our online form for a free, no-obligation consultation. Let us fight for your rights and get you the compensation you deserve. Don’t wait – take the first step toward recovery and justice now!
