When undergoing surgery, patients trust that their doctor will provide them with quality care and assistance needed after the procedure. During recovery, a patient may notice signs that something did not go as planned, and this could be an indication of some type of surgical error. If someone is suffering from certain issues, it could be a sign of medical malpractice or a lack of quality post-operative care.
Signs of surgical problems
Post-operative complications could be the result of many different factors, including the Delaware patient’s health at the time of the operation, unexpected issues that became apparent during the procedure or medical malpractice of some kind. Signs of surgical errors could include:
- Difficulty breathing
- Excessive pain or bleeding from the incision site
- Signs of shock or infection
- Retention of an excessive amount of fluid
- Signs of deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism
An error made during surgery could lead to internal damage, excessive blood loss and other problems, and these signs are indicators that something is wrong post-surgery. A careful evaluation of the surgery, initial diagnosis, pre-surgical care and post-operative care can reveal whether ongoing medical issues are the result of substandard care.
What is next?
After noticing signs of surgical errors or other post-operative complications, a Delaware patient would be wise to bring these matters to the attention of care providers. If a patient believes he or she could be the victim of some type of medical malpractice, that individual will find it helpful to learn about the specific legal options available and how to fight for a full and fair recovery.