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Current News- Virginia and North Carolina

Surgical Mistakes Abound in Virginia, Across the Nation


Posted on Nov 16, 2010

According to the Institute of Medicine between 44,00 and 98,000 American die each year in U.S. hospitals from preventable medical errors.  In addition, hospital deaths rank in the top ten leading causes of death in Virginia and across the nation. 

A recent, very public, apology highlights the danger that patients face each time they go under the knife.  In this case a hand surgeon was supposed to perform an operation to correct a trigger finger and instead performed an entirely different surgery for carpal tunnel.  Having performed the wrong surgery the surgeon went back to his office to make notes when he realized his serious mistake.  He then returned, explained the situation and performed the correct surgery. 

While we would like to think that this kind of mistake is uncommon it happens all too often. In fact, patients who are going to undergo surgery have taken to marking the surgical site themselves with permanent marker. 

How do so many mistakes occur?  Though many in the industry have put multiple safety checks in place mistakes continue to occur.  Dr. David Feldman is a chief safety officer and vice chair of surgery.  He is an advocate of safety guidelines and regimented protocols.  However, even he does not have a lot of faith that surgical errors will cease to exist.

"We as a society have an expectation of perfection, but it's unrealistic to think surgeries will be perfect," said Dr. Feldman. "Humans are not perfect beings, and there are always going to be mistakes."

Our medical malpractice attorneys have seen medical mistakes devastate families and cause permanent damage and death.  We hope that awareness of the issue continues to reduce the number of people injured by medical errors in Virginia, North Carolina and across the nation.    

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TAVSS FLETCHER
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