
21 May How to Identify Surgical Errors and Protect Yourself from Risky Procedures
You trust a team of trained specialists and surgical instruments to work flawlessly in surgery. Yet, even expert hands can make surgical errors that result in complications like infection or extra operations.
Knowing what these errors are, how they occur, and what you can do pre-op, intra-op, and post-op makes you an active participant in your body’s health.
What Are Surgical Errors?
Surgical errors are avoidable errors committed at some point during a procedure, from planning and diagnosis to recovery post-surgery.
They may involve incorrect procedures, incorrect handling of surgical equipment, or failure to maintain sterile conditions. While rare, surgical errors have been estimated to occur in approximately 1–2% of all procedures. Knowing these risks helps you recognize warning signs and speak up for your safety.
Why Do Surgical Errors Happen?
Several reasons lie behind surgical errors: human, systemic, and technical issues.
- Communication Failures: During handoffs among surgeons, anesthesiologists, and nurses can lead to fatal oversights.
- Workload and Fatigue: Longer operating room times lead to a greater risk of concentration lapses.
- Insufficient Training or Experience: Less experienced staff may not know about some surgical tools or techniques.
- Device Failure: Device failure, such as electrocautery equipment or surgical scissors, may halt procedures or cause injury.
- Poor Checklist Compliance: Skipping “time-out” verifications or instrument counts can lead to wrong-site surgery or retained objects.
Common Types of Surgical Problems
When protocols are not followed, various surgical problems can emerge. Understanding these helps you spot potential issues:
Wrong-site or Wrong-patient Surgery: Operating on the incorrect body part or patient because the “time-out” checklist wasn’t followed.
Retained Foreign Objects: Leaving gauze, sponges, surgical scissors, or other items inside the body after closure.
Anesthesia-Related Complications: Errors in dosing leading to respiratory distress, allergic reactions, or prolonged sedation.
Instrument Contamination: Use of unsterilized surgical instruments causes postoperative infections.
Documentation Lapses: Incomplete records hinder care continuity and cause miscommunication among team members.
Recognizing Surgical Issues Early
Not every cramp or pain after surgery constitutes a complication, but be aware of these surgical complication signs:
- Pain that worsens rather than improves over days
- Foul or colored pus or drainage from the wound
- Redness, swelling, or warmth over the wound site
- Uncontrolled bleeding or sudden wound separation
- More than 101°F (38.3°C) with chills can suggest infection
- Loss of function, numbness, or tingling in the treated area
If you experience any surgical errors, contact your healthcare provider immediately to rule out serious complications.
Your Role in Preventing Surgical Errors
While you can’t control every facet of an operation, you play a critical part in minimizing surgical errors:
Confirm the “Time-Out” Procedure: Before anesthesia, ensure the team pauses to verify your identity, procedure, and surgical site aloud.
Ask About Instrument Counts: Verify that all surgical instruments and surgical scissors are counted before incision and again before closure.
Share a Complete Medical History: Give a complete history of allergies, medications, and surgeries to prevent anesthetic accidents or infection.
Bring a Trusted Advocate: A friend or relative may remind you of the way, query you, and voice concerns if something does not seem right.
The Postoperative Instructions: Pre-discharge, get instructions from your surgeon or nurse on how to care for the wound, restrict activity, and recognize complications.
Steps to Take If You Suspect a Surgical Error
Should you suspect that a mistake has occurred, follow these steps to address surgical errors swiftly:
- Notify Your Surgical Team: Contact your surgeon or attending physician, describe your symptoms in detail, and request an urgent evaluation.
- Document Everything: Keep a recovery journal noting dates, times, pain levels, wound observations, and any conversations with medical staff.
- Request Diagnostic Tests: Ask for imaging, such as ultrasound, X-ray, or laboratory tests, to confirm or rule out retained objects or infections.
- Seek a Second Opinion: Consulting another specialist can provide fresh insights into your surgical issues and treatment options.
- Engage Patient Advocates: Hospital ombudspersons or patient safety officers can facilitate communication, ensure protocols are followed, and guide you through reporting processes.
Choosing Your Surgical Team and Facility
Selecting the right surgeon and hospital reduces the risk of surgical problems:
- Research Surgeon Credentials: Look for board certification, subspecialty training, and experience with your specific procedure.
- Evaluate Facility Safety Ratings: Check hospital quality metrics, infection rates, and patient satisfaction scores.
- Ask About Team Experience: How frequently does the surgical center perform your procedure, and what are their average outcomes?
Coping with the Emotional Impact
Discovering a potential surgical error can be distressing. Consider these strategies:
Lean on Support Networks: Emotional support can be offered through supportive groups, family, or friends.
Practice Stress Reduction: Techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or mild exercise can ease anxiety recovery.
Seek Professional Counseling: A therapist or counselor specializing in medical trauma can help you process fear or anger.
Conclusion
Surgical errors may sound scary, but knowledge, vigilance, and open communication decrease their likelihood by verifying sterile counts of surgical scissors, insisting on accurate “time-outs,” and reporting any unusual postoperative symptoms; if you suspect a mistake in instruments or any part of your surgery, contact your surgeon or patient advocate promptly to prevent many surgical problems. Informed patients actively involved with dedicated providers ensure the safest, most successful surgical outcome.
FAQs
How can I verify that my surgical team is following safety protocols?
Ask to observe the “time-out” checklist, confirm your name and procedure, and ensure instrument counts are performed out loud.
What should I do if I notice unusual symptoms after surgery?
Document your symptoms, notify your surgeon immediately, and request any necessary diagnostic tests (imaging or labs).
Where can I report a surgical error if I believe one occurred?
You can file a report with the hospital’s patient safety department, state medical board, or engage a patient advocate.
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More information:
- Mavroudis, C., et al. (2005). Surgical Error: Ethical Issues of Adverse Events. The Annals of Thoracic Surgery, 80(2), 399-408.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0003497505009161
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Last Updated on May 22, 2025 by Marie Benz MD FAAD