Laparoscopic Surgery Errors

There are numerous health issues that can only be treated via surgical procedures. Many patients are able to avoid open surgery, though, by undergoing laparoscopic surgery. While there are fewer risks associated with laparoscopic surgery than other types of procedures, doctors may nonetheless make mistakes during or after the process that cause significant harm. If you were hurt because of laparoscopic surgery errors, you might be owed compensation from your treatment providers, and it is advisable to speak to a lawyer as soon as possible. The dedicated Baltimore medical malpractice attorneys of Arfaa Law Group are adept at aiding people injured by medical negligence in the pursuit of justice, and if we represent you, we will work tirelessly to help you seek a favorable result.

Laparoscopic surgery, also known as keyhole surgery, is often used to diagnose and treat gastrointestinal and reproductive disorders. It is what is referred to as a minimally invasive procedure. In other words, instead of making a large incision, a doctor will typically make two to three small incisions in a patient’s abdomen and pelvic area. The doctor will then inflate the abdomen using carbon dioxide and employ a laparoscope, which is a thin lighted telescope, to visually examine the patient’s organs and perform any necessary procedures.

There are numerous errors that may occur during laparoscopic surgery that can lead to significant harm. For example, a doctor may perforate or cut an organ unintentionally or may operate on the wrong part of the body. If a physician fails to take appropriate measures prior to and after the procedure, it can lead to an infection or other complications. Patients can also develop complications due to the use of carbon dioxide gas during the procedure, such as embolisms.

Laparoscopic surgery errors can lead to painful injuries, and many people harmed by the mistakes of their doctors choose to seek compensation via medical malpractice lawsuits. Usually, a plaintiff in a medical malpractice case will allege a negligence claim against the defendant. In Maryland, proving medical negligence requires a plaintiff to demonstrate that the defendant had a duty to abide by the applicable standard of care, which is the treatment that a reasonable practitioner working in the same specialty would provide when faced with a similar situation. The plaintiff must then prove that the defendant’s acts or omissions constituted a departure from the standard. For example, if the standard requires a physician prescribe a patient antibiotics before and after laparoscopic surgery and the defendant did not and the patient developed an infection, it may constitute a breach of the standard.

Finally, the plaintiff has to show that the defendant’s breach of the duty owed proximately caused the plaintiff to suffer quantifiable harm. In other words, that the plaintiff would not have sustained injuries if the defendant had not deviated from the standard. Typically, the plaintiff must prove the elements of medical negligence via the testimony of an expert. In most instances, the expert will be a doctor that practices in the same specialty as the defendant, but other medical practitioners with relevant experience may be qualified to testify as experts as well. The expert will usually explain the applicable standard of care to the jury or judge determining liability in the case and how the defendant failed to comply with the standard. The expert can also link the defendant’s acts to the harm ultimately suffered by the plaintiff.

Laparoscopic surgery is typically safer than more invasive procedures, but patients may nonetheless suffer serious harm due to errors that occur during or after the surgical process. If you suffered injuries because of a health care provider’s mistake, you have the right to pursue damages, and it is wise to confer with a lawyer as soon as possible. The attorneys of Arfaa Law Group can advise you of your potential claims and formulate compelling arguments in favor of your recovery of damages. We frequently represent injured parties in medical malpractice cases in Baltimore, where our office is located. You can reach us through our online form or at (410) 889-1850 to schedule a meeting.