In a prime example of medical malpractice, a doctor in Minnesota removed the wrong kidneys of a patient in 2008. Finally, after two long years, the doctor received their punishment – a ban from performing surgical procedures, according to The National Ledger.
This isn’t the first time the wrong kidney has been removed from a patient. In July of 2009, a surgeon in California made the same surgical mistake and the patient was stuck with the diseased kidney while enduring dialysis every three days to stay alive, according to PE.com.
“Hospitals need to be very careful in following procedures and instructions. A simple apology doesn’t work,” said Francisco Torres, the victim of the California surgical error.
Very true.
Over 200,000 people die each year due to preventable medical errors and infections, according to a study by Hearst Newspapers. A common surgical error includes leaving sponges, knives, and/or needles inside a patient. However, removing the wrong kidneys is certainly a major medical error.
I’m glad to see action was taken to try and rectify the situation in Minnesota. I understand that doctors and medical professionals are human and will make mistakes from time to time, but to remove the wrong organ isn’t a simple mistake – it is gross negligence.
If you, or a loved one, suffered an injury from a surgery and suspect it was due to a medical error, you should strong consider consulting with an attorney. You should also take a moment to review our free consumer guide which provides important information about surgical mistakes:
Top-5 Surgical Errors and How NOT to Become a Victim