Wrong-site surgery is a potential type of medical malpractice in New Jersey. It could happen when surgeons don’t follow recommended safety procedures.
Failure to take precautions
Some surgeons feel that they no longer need to mark the body before surgery. Even if the surgeon has experience, they should always stay in the habit of marking the body first. This is helpful for them and all other medical staff who are helping with the surgery. People sometimes forget or remember incorrectly, which is another reason why it’s necessary to draw where the surgical operation is occurring. New Jersey requires that surgeons take this step. If your surgeon failed to do so, then you may have a medical malpractice case.
New Jersey’s Joint commission also recommends that an independent licensed practitioner handle the task of drawing on your body where the surgery will take place. You should stay aware to ensure they get it correct as well.
Mistakes from other staff
It’s not always the surgeon who makes the mistake. Sometimes, it’s a nurse or an assistant who gives the wrong information that leads to a surgical error. They may have made a mistake in written reports and planning for the surgery.
Left and right confusion
One of the common factors that plays a role in staff making a wrong-site surgery is mixing up the left and right side of the body. Distractions in the environment make it more likely that they will confuse left with right or right with left as well.
Surgical markings disappear
Sometimes, the surgical markings rub away when the staff applies surgical prep. This could cause the surgeon to confuse the current patient with another when they rely on their memory to begin operating.
Wrong-site surgery doesn’t happen often, and the medical industry is striving to make it a thing of the past. One of the top ways of reducing this problem is marking on your body where the surgery needs to take place.