Wrong Site Surgery
Operating on the wrong site or body part represents a potentially devastating event for all parties involved. Cases of "wrong site surgery" frequently attract considerable media attention and lead to malpractice lawsuits. Claims for wrong site orthopedic surgeries result in indemnity payments in 84% of cases, compared with only 30% of orthopedic claims overall. Although orthopedics represents the largest source of legal claims, the Physician's Insurance Association of America (PIAA) has handled wrong site surgery litigation from the entire range of surgical specialties and subspecialties.
Common factors identified in wrong site surgery include the involvement of multiple surgeons on a case, the performance of multiple procedures during a single trip to the operating room, unusual time constraints, and unusual anatomy or patient characteristics, such as physical deformity or morbid obesity.
The Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) issued the following recommendations for avoiding wrong site surgery:
- Mark the operative site and involve the patient in this process.
- Require oral verification of the correct site in the operating room by each member of the surgical team.
- Follow a verification checklist that includes all documents and medical records referencing the intended operative procedure and site.
- Directly involve the operating surgeon in the informed consent process.
- Engage in ongoing monitoring to ensure verification procedures are followed.
If you have been a victim of wrong site surgery, it may be important to contact an attorney who can help you protect your legal rights. Please keep in mind that there may be time limits within which you must commence suit.
Attorneys associated with InjuryBoard.com will evaluate your case free of charge. In addition, you will not pay any fees or costs unless your attorney recovers money for you. Please click on the free Ask An Attorney button to take advantage of this valuable service.
-- Article Courtesy of InjuryBoard.com
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