The development of anesthesia changed the face of surgical procedures. It allows patients to undergo surgical procedures without feeling pain.
While anesthesia is relatively safe, it is not foolproof. Anesthesia errors do happen, and they can be fatal. Here are some of the more common types of anesthesia errors.
Administering the wrong dosage
The required dosage of anesthetic is not the same for every patient. The patient’s age and general health must be taken into consideration. Doctors must assess every patient individually and calculate the appropriate dosage from there.
When a patient is administered too little anesthesia, they could regain consciousness during a surgical procedure. This can be extremely painful, traumatic, and potentially fatal. If a patient is administered too much anesthesia, this could result in cardiac arrest and other complications.
Unnoticed changes in the patient
Upon administering anesthesia, doctors must carefully monitor the condition of a patient. This includes monitoring their heart rate, oxygen levels and other vital signs. Should changes in these levels go unnoticed, the patient could potentially suffer respiratory issues and other types of organ damage.
Malfunctioning equipment
The medical equipment used in anesthesia is only useful if it is well-maintained and working properly. Doctors must shack for gas leaks, broken equipment and faulty monitors. Equipment malfunctions are one of the most common causes of injury resulting from the anesthetic.
If you have been harmed by an anesthesia error, a medical malpractice claim could be an option. To qualify, you will need to show that one or more people on your medical team was negligent. Seek legal guidance to assess your options in more detail.
