It’s often only after a tragic outcome or a serious issue arises post-surgery that patients or their families become aware of anesthesia mistakes. Since anesthesiologists typically meet patients and their families briefly before surgery, there’s little chance to learn about their credentials or background. Many patients don’t fully understand how critical the anesthesiologist’s role is during surgery and recovery.
Typically, it is only after a patient dies or a serious problem is identified following surgery that a patient or families learn about anesthesia mistakes. Since most anesthesiologists only briefly meet the patient or family before the surgery begins, there is little opportunity to check the credentials or background of their anesthesiologist. Seldom are patients aware of the role and obligations of the anesthesiologist both during surgery and during post-operative recovery.
Some common anesthesia mistakes due to medical negligence or malpractice include:
- Intubation Errors or Injuries – During surgery, anesthesiologists often intubate patients to ensure they can breathe safely. Mistakes during intubation or failing to maintain a proper airway can lead to serious injuries.
- Failure to Monitor – Anesthesiologists must regulate a patient’s consciousness and oxygen levels, among other vital tasks. Neglecting these duties can result in severe brain injury or even death.
- Communication Errors – Anesthesiologists need to keep the surgical team informed about the patient’s condition, including vital signs. Poor communication can lead to serious complications or injuries.
- Anesthesia Dosage Errors – Mistakes in dosage can occur if too much or too little anesthesia is administered. Excessive anesthesia can cause prolonged sedation, leading to coma or brain injury, while insufficient anesthesia can result in pain and discomfort. A particularly distressing condition, known as anesthesia awareness, occurs when a patient becomes conscious during surgery. This can lead to a horrifying experience where the patient, often paralyzed and unable to speak, is aware of what is happening and experiences the extreme pain of surgery. According to a study in Anesthesia & Analgesia, nearly one-half of patients who experienced anesthesia awareness heard conversations in the operating room, half felt as though they could not breathe, and 28% felt the actual pain of surgery. The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations states that 21,000 to 42,000 Americans experience anesthesia awareness each year.
The damage caused by an anesthesia mistake will depend on the type of error made and the subsequent medical response.
The most common injuries caused by anesthesia errors include:
- Tracheal damage or injury to surrounding areas caused by intubation errors
- Asphyxia or lack of adequate oxygen supply
- Cardiovascular injury, which may include heart attack or stroke
- Birth defects
- Loss of bodily function
- Brain damage, including traumatic brain injury or TBI
- Spinal cord injury, which often leads to paralysis or loss of feeling and function in the body
- Coma
- Death
If you or a loved one was injured due to an anesthesia/sedation mistake, contact our New York medical malpractice lawyers for a FREE case evaluation today. Our lawyers have secured millions in compensation for medical malpractice injury victims.