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Understanding the Risks of Surgery
It is important for patients to realize that anytime they undergo surgery, even surgery that is typically considered minor, there is an element of risk. Risks of surgery can vary based on the type of surgery a person is undergoing, of course, but you will find that there are certain types of risks that tend to apply to the majority of surgeries.
Types of Risks of Surgery
There are risks that the anesthesia is not working properly for the patient, or that the patient could be allergic to the anesthesia. It is also possible for there to be bleeding problems during the surgery, or a doctor could nick an organ or an artery by mistake. There are cases where sponges and other implements have been left inside of a body after surgery. Deep vein thrombosis, or blood clots, can be a problem as well, and if they are untreated and travel through the bloodstream and cause a pulmonary embolism. Delayed healing, infection, and even death during surgery are part of the risks of surgery, as well. The doctor and staff should attempt to minimize these risks as much as possible. Sometimes, though, negligence will play a role.
When Something Goes Wrong
While there are risks to surgery, as noted above, this does not mean that you are out of options in the event that you had trouble with the surgery. In some cases, the problems with the surgery could have been avoided and were instead the fault of the doctors or other medical professionals in the hospital who cared for you after the surgery. In those cases, when clinical negligence is involved, you need to take your story to an attorney that can help.
When you get in touch with a medical malpractice attorney, they will be able to examine every aspect of your case. They can determine whether the problems with the surgery were the fault of the doctor or hospital staff, and they can let you know whether you should move forward with a malpractice case. These types of cases can be very complex, so you will certainly want to make sure that you are working with an attorney who has plenty of experience in the field.