Complications Following a Surgical Procedure
Every surgical procedure comes with some side-effects. There will most often be some pain, swelling and soreness around the surgical cut. In most cases, however, your physician will let you know what you can expect in terms of these minor complications and how they should be dealt with. But sometimes, unexpected complications arise that present immediate and serious danger to the patient, such as infections, profuse bleeding, or blood clots.
When this happens, it is often an emergency situation and it may not be convenient for you to return to the same hospital where the surgery was performed. For example, you may not live in the city or state where your surgery took place, or the ambulance driver may automatically take you to the nearest hospital – which is not specifically the one of your choice.
But does it matter if you go to a different healthcare provider to be treated? What are the implications of not returning to the hospital where your surgery was performed to be treated for postoperative complications?
Complications following a surgical procedure can give rise to a medical malpractice lawsuit. Healthcare practitioners have a huge responsibility to their patients. In fact, physicians are required to adhere to strict medical guidelines when treating patients. Should they fail to act appropriately in performing a surgical operation or in addressing any resulting complications, they may be held liable if it leads to significant injury or the patient’s death.
Where Should You Seek Treatment for Postoperative Complications?
A study performed at the University of Utah’s School Of Medicine found that, when a patient is experiencing complications after a surgical procedure, it is better for them to return to the hospital where the surgery was performed than to seek treatment elsewhere. The study concluded that, when the patient returns to the hospital where the surgery took place, the risk of dying over the next two months is reduced.
The basis of these findings are as follows:
- The surgeon at the hospital where the surgery first took place will be more familiar with your surgical procedure and better-prepared to handle any complications that arise.
- When you return to the hospital where the surgery was performed, you will be admitted faster than if you were to go elsewhere. This will, in turn, allow you to be treated faster, which could be the difference between life and death.
According to the study, about half of all surgical patients who experienced postoperative complications return to the hospital where the surgery was performed. Furthermore, these patients are 26 percent less likely to die within three months following the operation, and fared even better in the months that followed, if they were treated by the same surgical team.
So, if you or someone you know is experiencing any postoperative complications above and beyond what should normally be expected, you should seek immediate medical treatment – preferably at the same hospital where the operation first took place, if possible. You should also contact an experienced medical malpractice lawyer to preserve your right to seek damages.
Contact a Missouri Personal Injury Attorney
If you are looking for a knowledgeable and competent personal injury lawyer, you should seek someone with a reputation for concern and a track record of obtaining favorable outcomes for your case. At Carey, Danis & Lowe, we offer a no-cost and no-obligation consultation. We will discuss your case and determine how best to help you. You will only be charged if compensation is recovered for you. Call us today at 877-678-3400 to schedule an appointment or fill out one of our contact forms.
