Anesthesia Errors
Our Columbus Ohio Medical Malpractice Attorneys Help Victims of Anesthesia Errors
When anesthesiologists make mistakes in administering anesthesia during a surgical procedure, the results can be tragic and even fatal. Recent statistics reveal that one in every 200,000 to 300,000 surgical patients die during or following surgery as a result of anesthesia errors. Most anesthesia errors arise from incorrect dosage. Too much anesthesia can result in an overdose and death; too little anesthesia does not accomplish its purpose resulting in anesthesia awareness. Frequently, more than one type of anesthesia is utilized. The wrong combination can be deadly.
The anesthesiologist must be aware of any allergies the patient may have before administering any anesthesia and must adequately monitor his patient’s vital signs during the entire procedure.
Anesthesia errors include:
- Too much anesthesia
- Too little anesthesia
- Allergic reactions
- Drug interactions with anesthesia
- Failure to properly monitor patient during sedation
- Failure to provide adequate oxygen during sedation
- Inappropriate administration of anesthesia.
Anesthesia injuries include:
- Brain injuries
- Cardiovascular injuries, including strokes and heart attack
- Nerve damage
- Paralysis
- Asphyxia
- Coma
- Death
Anesthesia failure that allows a patient to wake up during surgery, paralyzed and unable to cry for help. Patients who experience “anesthesia awareness” or “unintended intra-operative awareness” are aware of their surroundings and often feel excruciating pain and/or the sensation of suffocation. Anesthesia awareness usually occurs when a patient is given too little anesthesia. Incidences of anesthesia awareness may be as frequent as 42,000 times each year according to the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. This experience can be extremely traumatic for the patient. Injuries from anesthesia failure can include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD); sleep disorders, anxiety and panic attacks.
Clark, Perdue & List
If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of anesthesia errors, please contact us.
Initial consultations are always without charge or obligation.
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