One of the most serious injuries that can occur from an anesthesia error is hypoxia. Hypoxia means a lack of oxygen. It is a situation that is completely preventable and should never happen if the anesthesiologist is properly monitoring everything, including oxygen level, CO2, and other vital signs. If the lack of oxygen continues for more than a few seconds, it can be catastrophic for the patient.
To prevent anesthesia errors, medical professionals must follow strict protocols, continuously monitor patients during procedures, and conduct comprehensive preoperative assessments. Anesthesia providers must be well-trained and experienced, and communication between the surgical team members must be clear and effective.
At Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp, we have had cases involving minutes that passed during the surgery. We’ve had to investigate how the incident occurred to get our clients the compensation they deserved. If you or a loved one has suffered an injury, call us today at 833-997-1774 for a free consultation.
What Are Some of the Most Common Injuries Resulting from Anesthesia Errors?
Anesthesia is critical to medical procedures, helping patients undergo surgery and other medical interventions without feeling pain or discomfort. However, like any medical treatment, anesthesia administration comes with inherent risks, and errors in this process can lead to severe and even life-threatening injuries. Some of the injuries that can result from anesthesia errors include the following.
Anesthesia Awareness
Anesthesia awareness, also called intraoperative awareness, occurs when a patient regains consciousness during surgery but remains paralyzed and unable to communicate. This terrifying experience can cause emotional trauma, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Brain Damage
Anesthesia errors can lead to inadequate oxygen supply to the brain, resulting in brain damage. If the brain is deprived of oxygen for an extended period, it can lead to cognitive impairments, memory loss, and permanent neurological deficits.
Hypoxia and Anoxia
Hypoxia refers to insufficient oxygen supply to tissues, while anoxia is the complete absence of oxygen. Both conditions can occur due to anesthesia errors, such as inadequate ventilation or respiratory complications, leading to tissue damage, organ failure, and even death.
Nerve Damage
Improper administration of regional anesthesia, such as epidurals or nerve blocks, can cause nerve damage. Patients may experience chronic pain, loss of sensation, or paralysis in the affected area.
Cardiac Complications
Anesthesia errors can cause cardiovascular issues, such as abnormal heart rhythms, cardiac arrest, or heart attacks. Patients with pre-existing heart conditions are particularly vulnerable to these complications.
Aspiration Pneumonia
When a patient vomits while under anesthesia, they may aspirate the stomach contents into their lungs, leading to aspiration pneumonia. This condition can be life-threatening and cause respiratory distress.
Anaphylaxis
Anesthesia drugs can trigger severe allergic reactions in some patients, leading to anaphylaxis. This condition can cause a rapid drop in blood pressure, difficulty breathing, and organ failure if not promptly treated.
Malignant Hyperthermia
Malignant hyperthermia is a rare but potentially lethal reaction to certain anesthesia medications. It causes a rapid increase in body temperature, muscle rigidity, and metabolic disturbances, which can be fatal if not treated immediately.
Postoperative Complications
Anesthesia errors can contribute to postoperative complications, such as delayed recovery from anesthesia, prolonged intubation, or difficulty regaining consciousness after surgery.
Medication Errors
Anesthesia requires precise dosing and administration of medications. Errors in drug administration can lead to overdoses or underdoses, resulting in various complications, including adverse drug reactions or insufficient pain relief.
Psychological Effects
Anesthesia errors and the resulting injuries can have a significant impact on a patient’s psychological well-being. Patients may experience anxiety, depression, or fear of medical procedures, making future medical treatments challenging for them.
What Is the Potential Legal Aftermath of an Anesthesia Error?
It’s important to note that anesthesia errors can result from various factors, including human error, equipment malfunctions, inadequate monitoring, inadequate preoperative assessment, and failure to respond to changing patient conditions promptly.
If you or a loved one has experienced injuries or complications due to anesthesia errors, it’s essential to seek legal advice promptly. Anesthesia malpractice cases can be complex, requiring the expertise of a medical malpractice attorney who can thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the error and advocate for the compensation and justice you deserve.
At Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp, we have decades of experience representing clients in medical malpractice cases, including anesthesia errors. Contact our office today at 833-997-1774 for a free consultation. We are ready to help you understand your legal options and ensure that your rights are protected.